Synthesis of gona-1,3,5(10)-trienes



July 7, 1970 G. A. HUGHES EITAL 3,519,714

SYNTHESIS OF GONAl ,3 5(10) TRIENES Filed March 15, 196e 2 sheets-sheet 1 omro omro NNN MWWY :oNro roNro O .S E nrw 4 m M A a M NM N m /RRlm. E H fp, Y 5 EN E N v OmIo Omro Omxo o o Illu' .IIHV CNI".v ONEM.V Omrw m10 mxo mIU Nn .HH .E H 4 H July 7, 1970 G, A. HUGHES ETAL 3,519,714

SYNTHESIS OF GONA1,3,5(lO)-TRIENES United States Patent O 3,519,714 SYNTHESIS OF GONA1,3,5(10)TRIENES Gordon Alan Hughes, Haverford, Pa., and Herchel Smith, 500 Chestnut Lane, Wayne, Pa. 19087; said Hughes assignor to said Smith.

Continuation-impart of application Ser. No. 228,384, Oct. 4, 1962, which is a continuation of applications Ser. No. 57,904, Sept. 23, 1960, Ser. No. 91,341, Feb. 24, 1961, Ser. No. 137,535, Sept. 12, 1961, Ser. No. 195,000, May 15, 1962, and Ser. No. 196,557, May 16, 1962. This application Mar. 15, 1966, Ser. No.

Int. Cl. A61k 17/06 U.S. Cl. 424-238 22 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This application is a continuation-impart of co-pending application Ser. No. 228,384, filed Oct. 4, 1962; which in turn is a continuation of applications Ser. No. 57,904, filed Sept. 23, 1960; Ser. No. 91,341, filed Feb. 24, 1961; Ser. No. 137,535, filed Sept. 12, 1961; Ser. No. 195,000, filed May l5, 1962; and Ser. No. 196,557, filed May 16, 1962; all abandoned.

This invention relates to compositions of matter classified in the art of chemistry as substituted unsaturatedgonane derivatives, to intermediates therefor, and to processes for making and using such compositions.

In describing the invention, reference will be made in the following specification to the annexed drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates schematically the reaction sequence for preparing a 13-alkylgona1,3,5(10)-triene, specifically 13-ethyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5 10 -triene-17-ol.

FIG. 2 illustrates schematically the reaction sequence for preparing a 13-alkylgona1,3,5(10)-triene from a 2- alkyl-2-(6-phenyl-3-oxohexyl) -1,3cyclopentanedione, specifically 13 -ethyl-3 methoxygona-1,3 ,5( 10) -trien-l7-one.

FIG. 3 illustrates schematically the reaction sequence for preparing a l3,17dialkylgona-1,3,5(10)-trien-l7-ol from a 13 alkylgona 1,3,5(10),8tetraene, specifically 13,8,l7a-diethyl-S-methoxygona-1,3,5(10) trien 17 ol from 13,8-ethyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5(10),8 tetraen 17- one, and using said unsaturated gonane to prepare a 13- alkygon-4-ene, specifically l3,17a-diethyl-17-hydroxygon-4-en-3-one.

FIG. 4 illustrates schematically the alkynylation of a 13-alkylgona-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-one to prepare al 17al kynyll3alkylgona1,3,5(10)-trien-17-ol, specifically the conversion of 13 /8-ethyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5 10) -trien- 17one to 17a ethylnyl 13/3 ethyl 3 methoxygona- 1,3,5()trien17ol.

The invention sought to be patented, in a principal composition aspect, is described as residing in the concept of a chemical compound having a cycloaliphatic-phenanthrene nucleus in which the B and the C rings are at least partially hydrogenated and having attached thereto in the 13a-position a monovalent polycarbon-alkyl radical.

The tangible embodiments of the composition aspect of the invention possess the inherent general physical Fice properties of being white crystalline solids, are substantially insoluble in water and are generally soluble in polar solvents such as dimethylacetamide. Examination of compounds produced according to the hereinafter described process reveals, upon ultraviolet and infrared spectrographic analysis, spectral data supporting the molecular structures herein set forth. The aforementioned physical characteristics, taken together with the nature of the starting materials and the mode of synthesis, confirm the structure of the compositions sought to be patented.

The tangible embodiments of the invention possess the inherent applied use characteristics of exerting qualitatively varying hormonal effects in animals as evidenced by pharmacological evaluation according to standard test procedures. Such tangible embodiments show estrogenic, anti-estrogenic, blood lipid effects, effects upon mineral metabolism and central nervous system effects. This linding indicates their usefulness in the treatment of female hypogonadism, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, ovulation block and contraception, functional uterine bleeding, acne, arteriosclerosis, osteoporosis, hormone dependent tumors, infertility and growth inhibition. In particular it has been established that alterations of the natural steroid structure made possible by our discovery result not merely in a change of degree of hormonal activity but, as a result of the separation of types of hormonal activity, alter in an unexpected way its basic nature so that a desirable hormone effect is maximized and an undesirable hormone effect is minimized.

In addition to their inherent applied use characteristics, the intermediate compositions of this invention are useful in practicing the process aspect of the present invention in the making of the principal gonane compositions of the invention according to the sequence of reactions described herein.

The invention sought to be patented, in a principal process of making the compositions aspect is described as residing in the concept of the sequence of reactions including: converting a compound having a 5phenylpent 1-yne nucleus, ring unsubstituted in at least one position ortho to the point of chain attachment, by means of a Mannich type reaction, to its acetylenic amine derivative; hydrating the acetylenic linkage to form a 3keto compound; reacting such 3keto substrate compound with a nucleophilic 2monovalent alkyl-1,3 dioxocyclopentano compound under Michael condensation conditions to attach the cyclopentano compound through its 2-position carbon atom to the l-position carbon atom of the 3keto compound; treating the bicyclic triketone formed in the preceding step with an acidic dehydrating agent thereby to effect a double cyclodehydration to form a 1,3,5(l0), 8,14-pentadehydro-13 alkylgonane; selectively saturating the 14(15) double bond of said gonane with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst, and thereafter saturating the 8(9) double bond of the compound resulting from the previous step to obtain a 13alkylgona-1,3,5(10)-triene.

The invention sought to be patented, in a subgeneric composition aspect, is described as residing in the concept of a chemical compound having gona-1,3,5(10)triene nucleus and having attached thereto in the l3-position a monovalent polycarbon-alkyl radical.

The tangible embodiments of said subgeneric composition aspect posses the use characteristic of varying hormone effects in animals as evidenced by pharmacological evaluation by standard test procedures.

The invention sought to be patented in a second subgeneric composition aspect is described as residing in the concept of a 16,17-dioxy-genated 13-polycarbon-alkylgona-1,3,5(10)triene.

The tangible embodiments of said subgeneric composition aspect posses the use characteristic of varying hormone eects in animals as evidenced by pharmacological evaluation by standard test procedures.

As used herein the term oxygenated, when referring to the gonane nucleus or a substitutent upon it, means having attached thereto one or more radicals containing oxygen atoms among which are, for purpose of illustration but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, hydroxy, pyranyloxy, epoxy, carbonyl oxygen, acyloxy and ketalised carbonyl oxygen.

The invention sought to be patented in a third subgeneric composition aspect is described as residing in the concept of a l3-polycarbon-alkgona-l,3,5 (10)-trien- 17-01, of which a specific embodiment, 13,8-ethyl-3-methoxgona-l,3,5()-trien-17-ol, is hereinafter described.

The tangible embodiments of said subgeneric composition aspect possess the use characteristic of exerting varying hormone eiects in animals as evidenced by pharmacological evaluation according to standard test procedures.

The invention sought to be patented in a second process aspect as illustrated in annexed FIG. 2, is described as residing in the concept of a sequence of reactions to form the gonane structure with the natural conguration of hydrogen atoms at the 8,9 and lll-positions including: treating the bicyclic ketone formed in the Michael reaction of 3keto substrate compound with a nucleophilic 1,3- dioxopentano compound having at least one hydrogen at the 2-position (VIII) under aldol condensation conditions, i.e., in the presence of a basic catalyst, and if a suitable activating substituent is not present on the aromatic ring, in the presence of an acid catalyst, to form the tricyclic di-ketone (XIII): reducing the C-ring unsaturation to form compound (XIV) (by whatever mechanism the hydrogen at the 8-position (steroid numbering) is introduced, it can on treatment with an acid or base take up the most stable configuration, i.e. the position trans to the ortho newly introduced hydrogen, by equilibrating through keto-enol tautomerism with the adjacent keto; thus when the rst is a, having been introduced trans to the l3- substituent by stereospecilic means, the 8-carbon will be so that the natural configuration results): closing the B- ring under acidic conditions at low temperature'to form XV: and stereospecically reducing the 9.11 unsaturation by hydrogenation or by the action of an alkali metal in liquid ammonia to also form the natural a-hydrogen coniiguration at the 9-position in compound XVI.

The invention sought to be patented in a third process aspect, as illustrated in annexed FIG. 3, is described as residing in the concept of a sequence of reactions including: treating a compound with a gona-l,3,5(10),8 tetraen-l7-one nucleus, having attached thereto in the 13- position a monovalent polycarbon-alkyl radical (X) with an organo-metallic derivative of a l-alkyne to obtain a compound with a 17m-alkynylgonal,3,5 {10),8-tetraen- 17ol nucleus having attached thereto in the l3-position a polycarbon-alkyl radical (XVII): selectively saturating the side chain with hydrogen to obtain the corresponding 17a-alkyl compound (XVIII): and thereafter reducing the 8(9) double bond with an alkali metal in liquid ammonia to obtain a compound with a 17a-alkylgona1,3,5(l0) trien-l7-ol nucleus having attached thereto in the 13- position a monovalent polycarbon-alkyl radical (XIX).

The invention sought to be patented in a fourth process aspect, as illustrated in annexed FIG. 4, is described as residing in the concept of treating a compound with a gona-1,3,5(10)-trien-l7-one nucleus having attached thereto in the 13-position a monovalent polycarbon-alkyl radical (XVI) with an organometallic derivative of a l-alkyne to obtain a compound with a l7a-alkynylgona- 1,3,5 (10)-trien-l7-ol nucleus having attached thereto in the 13-position a monovalent polycarbon-alkyl radical (XX).

The manner of making the chemical compounds, which are the starting materials for use in making the compounds of the invention, and for use in the processes of 4 making the invention, are illustrated in co-pending application Ser. No. 228,384, led Oct. 4, 1962.

The manner and process of making and using the invention will now be generally described so as to enable a person skilled in the art of chemistry to make and use same, as follows:

lReferring now to FIG. l, wherein the compounds are assigned Roman numerals for identication schematically, the sequence of reactions involved in the synthesis of a specific embodiment, namely l3ethyl3methoxygona 1,3,5 (l0) trien l7 ol, is illustrated. 3-(m-methoxyphenyl) propanol (I) is heated with phosphorous tribromide in benzene after dropwise addition in the cold to form 3-(m-methoxyphenyl)propyl bromide (II). This halogen compound (II) dissolved in tetrahydrofuran is condensed with sodium acetylide in liquid ammonia to obtain 5-(m-methoxyphenyl)-l-pentyne (III). Compound III is allowed to stand under nitrogen with Water, 30% formalin, acetic acid, diethylamine, dioxan and cuprous` chloride at C. for about twelve hours whereby there is obtained 1 diethylamino 6 (mmethoxyphenyl)2 hexyne (IV), which is in turn hydrated in the presence of a mercury salt and sulfuric acid to form l-diethylamino- 6-(m-methoxyphenyl)-3-hexanone (V). The ketamine (V) may eliminate diethylamine on distillation to give the vinyl ketone 6 (m methoxyphenyl)-1-hexen-3-one (VI). Either the ketamine (V) or the ketone (VI), or mixtures thereof, is then reacted with 2-ethyl-l,3cyclo pentanedione (VII) under Michael condensation conditions, e.g. refluxing in methanolic potassium hydroxide to form 2 ethyl-2-[6-(m-methoxyphenyl)--oxohexyl]-1,3 cyclopentanedione (VIII). Compound VIII is then cyclodehydrated at the reflux temperature of a solvent, such as benzene, in the presence of a dehydrating acid, such as p-toluene sulfonic acid, to effect simultaneous ring closures to give the tetracyclic compound 13 ethyl 3- methoxygona 1,3,5(l0),8,l4-pentaenl7one (IX). The l4-unsaturation of compound IX is then selectively hydrogenated in the presence of a metal catalyst such as 2% palladizled calcium carbonate, to form 13-ethyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5(10),8tetraenl7one (X). Reduction of compound X with sodium borohydride in ethanol gives 13p ethyl 3 methoxygona-l,3,5(l0),8-tetraenl7ol (XI), which is then converted to 13-ethyl-3-methoxygona-l,3,5(10)-trien-l7-ol (XII) by alkali metal reduction in liquid ammonia, to provide the normal gonane configuration of 9,8 8,14 14,13 exocyclic substituents, namely trans-anti-trans.

I eferring now to FIG. 2, wherein the compounds are assigned Roman numerals for identification schematically, the sequence of reactions involved in an alternate process for cyclizing the 2-alkyl-2-(6-phenyl-3-oxohexyl) 1,3-cyclopentanedione to obtain the tetracyclic l3alky1 gona-l,3,5(10)triene is illustrated. Internal aldol condensation and dehydration of 2-ethyl-2-[6-(m-methoxyphenyl) -3 -oxohexyl]1,3cyclopentanedione (VIII) forms 8-ethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4-m methoxyphenethylindanel,5-dione XIII. The newly formed unsaturation of comlpound XIII is hydrogenated to form '8-ethylhexahydro-4- m-methoxyphenethylindane-l,5 dione (XIV). B ring closure of compound XIV proceeds at room temperature under acid conditions to form l3-ethyl-3-methoxygona- 1,3,5 (10),9tetraenl7one (XV). The unsaturated bond at the 9-position is reduced with alkali metal and liquid ammonia and the product is oxidized to give 13,8-ethyl-3- methoxygona-1,3 ,5( 10)-trien-17-one (XVI).

Referring now to FIG. 3, wherein the compounds are assigned Roman numerals for identification schematically, the sequence of reactions involved in the synthesis of a specific embodiment, namely 13,8,l7ocz-diethyl-3-methoxygona-l,3,5(10)-trien-17-ol is illustrated. 13-ethyl 3- methoxygona-l,3,5(l0),8tetraen17-one (X) is reacted With lithium acetylide in dimethylacetamide to form 17aethynyl-l3,8-ethyl-3-methoxygona 1,3,5(10),8 tetraenl7ol (XVII) which is then selectively hydrogenated in the presence of a catalyst such as palladium on calcium carbonate to form the corresponding 17a-ethyl compound XVIII. Compound XVIII is then reduced with an alkali metal in liquid ammonia to obtain 13,l7xdiethyl3- methoxygonal,3,5(10)-trien-17-ol (XIX). Y

By alkali metal reduction in liquid ammonia in the presence of a proton donor, such as ethanol (Birch reduction), Compound XIX is converted to l3,l7adiethyl gona-2,5(l)dien-l7ol (XXI). yBy hydrolysis in the presence of mineral acid, Compound XXI is then converted to 13,17adiethyl17hydroxygon4en3one (XXII).

Referring to FIG. 4, a third specific embodiment, 17a.- ethynyl-l3-ethyl-3-methoxygona-l,3 ,5(l0)-trien-17,B ol is formed by ethynylating 13-ethyl-3-methoxygona-1,3, 5(10)-trienl7one with lithium acetylide in dimethylacetamide.

While the hereinbefore processes produce novel and steroid-like compounds which have on unnatural substituent at the 13-position, it is apparent that the novel and valuable processes of the invention offer a unique feasible route to the corresponding natural steriods if the nucleophilic compound used in the Michael condensation step is Z-methyl-l,3-cyclopentanedione.

The aromatic ring of the phenylpropanol (FIG. l, I) used as starting material for the preparation of the cornpositions and initial preparations of the invention may have one or more substituents, provided, however, at least one position ortho to the position of Ipropanol-chain; attachment is unsubstituted so that cyclodehydration to form a cyclic structure can eventually be eiectuated. To

activate such ortho position for said subsequent ring closure, a para-directing group (referred to electrophilic aromatic substitution) such as hydroxy, acyloxy, alkoxy, amino, alkylamino, or acylamino is a necessary substituent on the aromatic ring. The group may be present initiallyY or may be introduced later but before ring closure, either directly, or by conversion from a meta-directing group such as nitro.

The term para-directing group (referring to electro- !philic aromatic substitution) as used herein means an activating group as those hereinbefore listed and which activates all positions on the aromatic nucleus. Thus, if the group is para-directing, as defined above, it can be in a position meta to the ortho position to which ring closure is limited by steric considerations, said position being activated even though another position is more highly activated. Ring closure could not occur at the said more highly activated position because of the above-mentioned steric limitations.-

After the tetracyclic structure has been formed, substituents can be introduced into the aromatic A-ring which are not limited as above; however, if such substituted compound is to undergo a reduction, the group is preferably one not sensitive to reduction. substituents on the A-ring can be modified by suitable means, for example an alkyl ether can be converted to a phenolic hydroxyl by heating with pyridine hydrochloride. For the processes of the invention and except for the limitations expressed in this specification, variations of the substituents on the A-ring of the fully formed tetracyclic structures, or on the intermediates leading thereto, are full equivalents of each other.

The carbon atom to which the phenyl group of the starting propanol (I) is attached can `be substituted, as, for example, with an alkyl group, such as methyl or ethyl. The 2-carbon atom of the starting phenyl propanol can also be substituted, as, for example, with an alkyl group, such as methyl and ethyl, and, as such, be unchanged throughout the subsequent synthesis. In the tetracyclic structures of the invention these carbon atoms will appear in the 6 and 7-position respectively.

For the processes of the invention and except for the limitations expressed in this specification, variations of the B-ring on the fully formed tetracyclic structures, or on the intermediates leading thereto, are full equivalents of each other.

In the Michael reaction step, the 3-keto substrate cornpound can tbe a 6-phenyl-1-hexen-3-one, or alternatively, a 6-phenyl-3-hexanone having attached to the l-position a group which will eliminate with hydrogen to form a 6- phenyl-l-hexen-3-one under Michael conditions. Thus, a 3-keto compound with a l-dialkylamino substituent or its quaternary salt, a l-halo substituent or a l-hydroxy substituent will react with the nucleophilic compound to form the Michael product. The nucleophilic compound can be a carbocyclic-1,3dione of varying ring size, as, for example, a ive-mem'bered ring, a six-membered ring etc., ultimately forming a corresponding ive-membered, a sixmem-bered, etc., D-ring in the tetracyclic structure. The 1,3-cyclodione may `also contain a hetero atom at positions other than position 2, thereby to provide a heterocyclic D-ring in the tetracyclic structure. Acyclic nucleophilic compounds can be used in conducting the Michael reaction step and the open-chain of the resulting product thereafter ring-closed to form a cyclic D-ring.

-For the processes of the invention, and except for the limitations expressed in this specication, variations of the D-ring on the fully formed tetracyclic structure, or on the intermediates leading thereto, are full equivalents of each other.

When the nucleophilic compound is 2-methyl-1,3cyclopentanedione, the invention provides a unique total synthesis for natural steroids; the hydrogens at the 8-position, 9position, and lli-position being a, and a, respectively, as in the natural steroids. Thus such valuable therapeutic substances as estrone are made available from easily obtainable and relatively simple and inexpensive starting materials. re-iai Moreover, by varying the group at the Z-position of the nucleophilic Michael condensation reactant, the inrvention provides a way to produce compounds resembling the natural steroids save at the 13-position. Thus, by varying the substituent .at the Z-position of the 1,3-cyclopentanedione, alkyl groups of varying chain length such as, for example, ethyl, isopropyl, cetyl, etc., may be introduced to form the gonane correspondingly substituted at the l3-position. Further, gonanes may be prepared wherein the l3-position is substituted with any organic radical. Thus, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, an aralkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, or a polycarbon-alkylene bridge bearing a hydroxy-, amino, or alkylamino-substituent can readily be placed in the l3-position, and from such compounds other variations of the 13a-position substituent can be prepared, as haloalkyls from hydroxyalkyls, or quaternary salts, amides, alkenyls, etc. from aminoalkyls For the processes of the invention and except for the limitations expressed in this specification, variations at the 13-position of the fully formed tetracyclic structures or on the intermediates leading thereto are the full equivalents of the claimed 13a-position polycarbon-alkyl substituents, having physiological activity of the same type.

In any of the intermediate structures or in the tetracyclic structures of the invention wherein the 17-position, or position corresponding thereto in the gonane nucleus, is carbonyl, the carbonyl group can be converted to a group such as hydroxymethylene by lithium aluminum hydride reduction; to acyloxymethylene by esterication of the hydroxymethylene group; to alkoxymethylene by etheriication of the hydroxymethylene group; to alkylhydroxymethylene by addition of the appropriate organometallic reagent to the carbonyl; or to alkynyl-hydroxymethylene by addition of the appropriate alkali metal facetylide in a suitable insert solvent; all in the known manner. The carbonyl group may also be ketalized or thioketalized by treating with the appropriate alcohol or glycol in a suitable inert solvent under acidic-conditions, as in the presence of an -acid such as sulfuric acid, p-toluene'sulfonic acid, or 'boron trifluoride etherate, with heating where necessary, according to the known art.

The 17-carbonyl can also be enol-acylated and the enol-acylate employed to introduce substituents at the l-position. Thus the enol-acylate can be epoxidised or hydroborated in order to introduce an oxygen atom at the l-position, and halogenated to introduce a halo substituent at the 16-position.

Saturated -or unsaturated alkyl groups can be introduced in the l7-position by reaction of the l7-carbonyl with a suitable organo-metallic reagent, as hereinbefore noted. The carbon atoms of the group attached to the l7-position can be oxygenated, either by introducing the oxygen atoms on to the 17-alkyl group, or by introducing an oxygenated substituent directly on to the 17carbonyl by means of the appropriate organo-metallic or organophosphorus compound ,(the latter known in the art as Wittig reagents).

Further, a 17-alkylidene group, which can be formed by dehydration a 17-alkylhydroxymethylene,compound or lby reaction of a l7-carbonyl with triphenylethylphosphonium bromide under basic conditions, can be epoxidised, hydroborated, or hydroxylated `with a reagent such as osmium tetroxide, and then, if desired converted to a l7hydroxyethyl or 17-acetyl group.

A 17-ethynyl substituent can be converted to a carboxyethynyl group by reaction of carbon dioxide on its Grignard derivative, and a l7-carboxymethylene group cau be introduced either by reaction of ethoxyacetylene with the 17carbonyl by means of a Grignard reagent, followed by acid hydrolysis, or by reaction of carbethoxymethylene-triphenylphosphorane or triethylphosphonoacetate with the l7-carbonyl. The resulting 17-carboxymethylene group can be converted to a l7(1,2dihydroxy ethyl) substituent by reduction and hydroboration.

More of the numerous transformations which can be utilized to introduce oxygenated alkyl groups at the 17- position are exemplified in the examples, and more will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art.

The specific reactions involved in the processes of the invention will now be considered, as follows, reference being made to the drawings for typifying compounds:

The -vinyl ketones (VI) of the invention are prepared by elimination of dialkylamine from the corresponding dialkylaminoethyl amino-ketones (V), obtained by hydration of the acetylenic linkage in an acetylenic amine (IV). The acetylenic amines (IV) can be themselves prepared yby a Mannich reaction from the corresponding acetylene (III) with formaldehyde and a dialkylamine. The hydration can be carried out, for example, in aqueous sulfuric acid with mercuric sulfate as a catalyst. The corresponding quaternary salts, which may also be used in the subsequent Michael condensation, can be obtained by quaternization of the corresponding acetylenic dialkylaminoethyl amine, followed by hydration, or by quaternization of the ketoamine. The vinyl ketones can be prepared from these derivatives by the above elimination reaction. Thus the ketoamine or its quaternary salt can be treated with a base for this purpose, for example, with sodium hydroxide or a sodium alkoxide.

The vinyl ketones (VI) and dialkylamino ketones (V) are condensed with a nucleophilic compound under Michael reaction conditions. Thus the condensation can be carried out by bringing the two reagents together in solution in the presence of a base, for example, pyridine, triethylamine, `diethylamine, sodium hydroxide, or sodium methoxide, and heating as required. The nature and amount of base employed in the condensation reaction will depend` upon the particular reagents used. Where the vinyl ketone derivative employed is a keto-amine and dialkylamine is eliminated in the reaction, no added base may be required. Where the compound is a 2-alkylcyclopentane-l,3dione (VII), the compound to be condensed with it is preferably a vinyl ketone, and the dione is used in excess of the molecular equivalent quantity. Suitable 8 solvents are hydrocarbons, such as benzene, and anhydrous alcohols, such as methanol. If the reaction is carried out in benzene under retluxing conditions, water formed in the condensation may be azeotroped out of the reaction mixture with a Dean-Stark type trap,

As hereinbefore noted, monocyclodehydration of the C-ring is accomplished by an internal aldol condensation. The cyclodehydration can therefore be carried out using conditions generally applicable for an aldol condensation, i.e., in the presence of an acid or basic catalyst, Such as NaOH, p-toluene sulfonic acid,.triethylamine benzoate, aluminum tertiary butoxide, and the like, either at room temperature or accompanied by heating if necessary..-In most instances, we prefer to carry out the cyclic dehydration at theboiling point of the solvent to permit azeo-- tropic removal'of the water formed duringthe coursefof the reaction, inasmuch as the aldol reaction is an equilibrium one. Preferred as solvents are the low boiling anhydrous aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzene and Xylene. C-ring closure occurs regardless of the nature of the substitution on the aromatic ring.

The reduction of the 8(14) unsaturation in the tricyclic compounds iscarried out by catalytic hydrogenatio'n either at room temperature or above. It is found that when hydrogen and a palladium-on-charcoal catalyst are used, the hydrogen introduced at the carbon l4-position is prin-` cipally in the configuration trans to the group attached at the 13-position. By Whatever mechanism the hydrogen at the 8-position is introduced, it can on treatment with an acid or base take up the most stable configuration, i.e., the position trans to the other newly introduced hydrogen, by equilibrating through keto-enol tautomerism with the adjacent keto group. Thus the second hydrogen atom can be made to take up the lf3-configuration when the irst is a.

The configuration of the hydrogen atom introduced by palladium hydrogenation at the 14-carbon has been independently proved by reducing the keto group of Com- XXIlI at the 17a-position (steroid enumeration) using sodium borohydride, a method selective for that positionwhile leaving the other keto group untouched, and then reducing the resulting keto-alcohol (XXIV) MsC-U XXIV with ylithium in liquid ammonia, a method stereospecio for the introduction of a hydrogen at` yC14 trans to the r angular substituent at C13 in XXV followed by oxidation of the reduced keto-alcohol using chromium trioxide in an organic medium to give a crys- XXVI which is converted by methanolic hydrochloric acid to the tetracyclic ketone (XXVII) MeO- ` H XXVII identical to that prepared by hydrogenation of the 8(14) double bond in Compound XXIV followed by acid cyclodehydration, whose structure was determined by reduction of the 9(11) double bond and conversion to the known -benzylidene derivative.

The B-ring closure is brought about under acidic conditions. Suitable are strong acids such as sulfuric, hydrochloric, p-toluene sulfonic, etc. in solvents such as benzene, ltoluene, anhydrous alcohol, etc. The reaction is generally carried out at room tempearture or below since heat may promote the formation of an aromatic B-ring. The preferred treatment is with methanolic hydrochloric acid at room temperature. As hereinbefore noted, it has been found that the ease of B-ring closure of the compounds of the invention to form tetracyclic compounds is affected by the nature of the substituent present on the preformed aromatic A-ring, and that subsequent cyclization is easier to carry out when the preformed aromatic A-ring contains a substituent which activates the position at which cyclization is to occur. Where a compound is to be used directly for B-ring closure, it will in practice be one containing such a substituent. Those substituents which cause subsequent B-ring closure to occur readily are substituents para to the position of ring closure which are groups that in electrophilic aromatic substitution activate an aromatic ring and are predominantly oand p-directing; for example, the hydroxy or alkoxy group.

The double cyclodehydration is brought about by dissolving a compound typified by Compound VIII in benzene containing a catalytic amount of p-toluene sulfonic MeO acid and boiling the mixture under a Dean-Stark trap until two equivalents of water have been collected, or alternatively, by treating the same triketone with polyphosphoric acid at room temperature or slightly above until ring closure is complete.

The selective hydrogenation of the gona-8,14-dienes typified by Compound IX is carried out by means of 2% palladized calcium carbonate. As hereinbefore noted, surprisingly, the catalytic hydrogenation results in addition of hydrogen to the 14-double bond in such a way as to give the natural stereochemical configuration; that is, the hydrogen adds at 14-trans to the alkyl at 13. Selective reduction of the 14-ethylenic linkage is achieved by use of catalyst-solvent combination which shows adequate selectivity, and stopping the hydrogenation when the theoretical amount of hydrogen has reacted. Solvents showing selectivity in this regard are the nonprotonic solvents, that is, hydrocarbons and ethers; benzene, toluene, naphtha, dioxan, dibutyl ether, and diethyl ether are examples of suitable nonprotonic solvents. On the other hand, protonic solvents such as acetic acid and ethanol appear' to -be largely non-selective.

It has been found that a moderately active Raney nickel catalyst provides good selectivity in a suitable solvent. If a Raney nickel catalyst of low activity is employed, the hydrogenation may be too slow to be useful; on the other hand, a vigorous catalyst shows poor selectivity, and some saturation of the 8,9-ethylenic bond may occur simultaneously with the hydrogenation at the 14,15-position.

If desired, other moderately active hydrogenation catalysts may be used instead of Raney nickel; for example, palladium on barium sulfate or on an alkaline earth metal carbonate or on charcoal have all been found suitable in this selective hydrogenation.

Saturation at the 8- or at the 9(ll)position of the tetracyclic structures must be stereospecifc to obtain the natural type of exocyclic substituent configuration as noted supra. Such a sufficiently stereospecific reduction can be in general effected by the action of an alkali metal (sodium, potassium, or lithium) in liquid ammonia to give the normal steroid configuration hydrogen at the respective carbons. Preferably this type of reduction is carried out in the presence of a primary or secondary aromatic amine, for instance aniline, p-toluidine, or diphenylamine, as this can improve the yield of the desired product. The reduction can also be carried out in the presence of a more reactive proton donor: in this instance, the reduction of the ethylenic linkage occurs with a simultaneous reduction of the aromatic ring to give a 1,4-dihydrophenyl group.

The reduction of 9-dehydro compounds can also be effected by catalytic hydrogenation, as this has been discovered to be sufiiciently stereospeciic for production of the desired trans-anti-trans compounds of normal conguration.

While the tetracyclic compounds in this specification and the appended examples are named to describe the configuration corresponding to that of the natural steroids, it is to be understood that unless otherwise indicated, the product of each of the given manipulative procedures is a racemic mixture which contains said named compound and its enantiomorph. When resolved starting materials are used, by applying the manipulative procedures described herein, the corresponding enantiomorph is obtained. In this specification, all of the tetracyclic compounds have been named according to the steroid numbering system.

Representative formulations embodying specific compositions o f this invention follow:

A pharmaceutical tablet for use as an oral anti-atherogenic agent consists of the following ingredients:

Mg. 13-ethylgona-l ,3,5 l0)-trien-3,17diol 25 Carboxymethylcellulose (viscosity 400 cps.) 15 Lactose powder 25 Redried corn starch 25 Magnesium stearate powder 4 Calcium silicate powder, q s.

A capsule for use as an oral anti-atherogenic agent contains, in encapsulating gelatin, the following ingredients:

13 -ethyl-3-methoxygona-l,3,5 (10) -trien-l7 -ol 25 Finely divided silica lubricant 5 Magnesium stearate powder 5 Powdered corn starch 113 Lactose powder, q.s.

Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers can be either solid or liquid. Solid form preparations include powders, tablets, dispersible granules, capsules, cachets, and suppositories. A solid carrier can be one or more substances which may also act as diluents, flavoring agents, solubilizers, lubricants, suspending agents, binders, or tabletdisintegrating agents: it can also be an encapsulating material. `In powders the carrier is a nely divided solid which is in admixture with the nely divided compound. In the tablets the compound is mixed with carrier having the necessary binding properties in suitable proportions and compacted in the shape and size desired. The powders and tablets preferably contain from 5 or 10 to 99% of the active ingredient. Suitable solid carriers are magnesium carbonate, magnesium stearate, talc, sugar, lactose, pectin, dextrin, starch, gelatin, tragacanth, methyl cellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, a low melting wax, and cocoa butter. The term preparation is intended to include the formulation of the compound with encapsulating material as carried providing a capsule in which the compound (with or lwithout other carriers) is surrounded by carrier, which is thus in association with it. Similarly, cachets are included. Tablets, powders, cachets, and capsules can be used for oral administration.

Liquid form preparations include solutions, suspensions, and emulsions. The compounds are insoluble in water, but can be dissolved in aqueous-organic solvent mixtures that are non-toxic in the amounts used. As an example may be mentioned water-propylene glycol solutions for parenteral injection. Liquid preparations can also be formulated in solution in aqueous polyethylene glycol solutions. Aqueous suspension suitable for oral use can be made by dispensing the nely divided compound in water with viscous material, natural or synthetic gums, resins, etc., for example, gum arabic, ion-exchange resins, methylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose and other well known suspending agents.

Preferably the pharmaceutical preparation is in unit dosage form. In such form, the preparation is sub-divided in unit doses containing appropriate quantities of the compound: the unit dosage form can be a packaged preparation, the package containing discrete quantities of preparation, for example, packeted powders of vials or ampules. The unit dosage form can be a capsule, cachet, or tablet itself, or it can `be the appropriate number of any of these in packaged form. The quantity of compound in a unit dose of preparation may be varied or adjusted from 1 Ing. to 100 mg. (generally within the range of 2.5 to 25 mg.) according to the particular application and the potency of the active ingredient.

The claimed compositions having physiological activity can be incorporated into pharmaceutical formulations including sustained-release agents.

The following preparations illustrate the manner of making the chemical compounds which are the starting materials for use in the processes of the invention.

PREPARATION l 3-m-hydroxyphenylpropanl-ol Add m-hydroxyphenylpropionic acid (57 g.) in dry tetrahydrofuran (250 cc.) dropwise into a vigorously stirred suspension of lithium aluminum hydride g.) in tetrahydrofuran (l liter), at a rate of addition such that gentle reuxing takes place. Reflux the mixture for 6 hours, allow to cool, and stir for 12 hours. Decompose the excess lithium aluminum hydride by careful addition of 50% aqueous ethanol (about 200 cc.), and then add 10% aqueous ethanol (about 200 cc.), and then add 10% aqueous sulphuric acid until the precipitated salts dissolve (ca. 500 cc. acid). Saturate the aqueous layer with salt while stirring, and separate the tetrahydrofuran layer. Wash the resulting aqueous layer with ether ,Evaporate the tetrahydrofuran solution under reduced pressure to remove the solvent, take up the residue in ether, and add the other washings to it. Wash the ether solution with saturated potassium bicarbonate, saturated brine, yand nally dry over anhydrous magnesium sulphate. Evaporate the solvent, distill the residue under reduced pressure to obtain a liquid, B.P. 130-2/0.2 mm., which crystallizes on standing, forming colorless waxy crystals of 3- m-hydroxyphenylpropan-1-01 (40 g.), M.P. ca. 30.

12 PREPARATION 2 3-m-hydroxyphenylpropylbromide Heat and stir the hydroxyphenylpropanol of Preparation 1 (l0 g.) with 48% aqueous hydrogen bromide solution (5 cc.) under reux for 3 hours, then add a further quantity of the aqueous acid (4 cc.) and continue reuxing for 12 hours. Cool, add ether (100 cc.) and wash the ether solution with water, aqueous potassium bicarbonate, and saturated brine. Dry the solution over anhydrous magnesium sulphate, remove the ether and distill to obtain 3-m-hydroxyphenylpropyl bromide (10 g.), B.P. 11S- 7/ 0.25 mm., as a colorless viscous liquid.

PREPARATION 3 Methyl-3 -hydroxy-3 3-methoxyphenyl butanoate Add m-methoxy acetophenone g.) in benzene (450 cc.) and methyl bromoacetate (153 g.) dropwise to a mixture of acid washed activated zinc (67 g.), methyl bromoacetate (5 cc.) and a crystal of iodine in benzene (20 cc.) at such a rate that gentle refluxing takes place. After the addition is complete, continue reuxing for 1 hour, cool the mixture and pour onto ice and 10% aqueous sulphuric acid. Separate the benzene layer, wash, dry, evaporate the solvent and distill the residue to give after a forerun of reactants methyl 3-hydroxy-3-(3- methoxyphenyl)butanoate, B.P. 140/ 0.65 mm. Hg.

PREPARATION 4 Me thyl-3 3 -methoxyphenyl butano ate Shake methyl 3 hydroxy 3 (3-methoxyphenyl)bu tanoate (116 g.) in acetic acid (1 l.) with 10% palladized charcoal (20 g. prehydrogenated) in an atmosphere of hydrogen until uptake of hydrogen virtually ceases (12.5 liters of hydrogen absorbed). Filter off the catalyst, evaporate the solvent and distill the residue to obtain methyl 3-(3-methoxyphenyl)butanoate, B.P. 139-142 at 5 mm- Hg D26 1.5060, 112.4 g. Infrared absorption peak at 5.75/i.

PREPARATION 5 3- (3-methoxyphenyl) butan-l-ol Add methyl 3-(3-methoxyphenyl)-butanoate (112 g.) in ether (500 cc.) slowly to a stirred suspension of lithium aluminum hydride (40 g.) in either (500 cc.). Reflux the mixture for 30 minutes, cool and decompose by adding methanol and water. Dissolve the precipitate by adding 10% sulphuric acid, separate the ether layer and extract the aqueous layer with ether. Wash the combined organic extracts with water, dry (Na2SO4), remove the solvent and distill the residue to obtain 3-(3-methoxyphenyl)butan1ol, B.P. 118-121/0.4 mm. Hg #D21 1.5260. Ultraviolet absorption peaks at 274, 285 mit (e 1800, 1650). Infrared absorption peaks at 3.05, 6.25,.

PREPARATION 6 3- 3-methoxyphenyl) -n-butyl bromide Cool 3-(3-methoxyphenyl)butan-l-ol (84 g.) in benzene cc.) to 0 and add a solution of phosphorus tribromide (55 g.) in benzene (100 cc.) dropwise so that the temperature of the mixture does not rise above 5. Heat the mixture at 60 for 3 hours, cool, pour onto ice, dilute the organic layer with ether and separate it. Wash the organic solution with 3 N aqueous sodium hydroxide, water and dry. Remove the solvent and distill the residue to obtain 3-(3-methoxyphenyl)-n-butyl bromide, 92.8 g., B.P. 100-104/0.15 mm.

Calculated for C11H15OBr (percent): C, 54.4; H, 6.23; Br, 32.85. Found (percent): C, 54.48; H, 6.37; Br, 32.58.

Infrared absorption peaks at 6.25, 12.66, 11.7111.

PREPARATION 7 S-m-methoxyphenylpent-l-yne Add 3-(3-methoxyphenyl)-n-propyl bromide (14 g.) in

tetrahydrofuran cc.) with rapid stirring to a solution of sodium acetylide (from 1.84 g. sodium) in liquid ammonia (125 cc.) in a Dewar flask. Continue stirring for 22 hours, then add ammonium chloride (3 g.) and water (50 cc.). Collect the product with ether and wash and dry the ethereal solution. Distill to obtain S-m-methoxyphenylpent-l-yne (7.1 g., 66%), B.P. 75-78 C./0.06 mm. Hg.

Calculated for C12H14O (percent): C, 82.7; H, 8.1. Found (percent): C, 82.2; H, 7.8.

PREPARATION 8 S-m-hydroxyphenylpentl-yne Pass dry acetylene into stirred liquid ammonia (800 cc.) and add portions of sodium (totalling 10.2 g.) piece by piece as the blue color discharges. When the addition of the sodium is complete, continue to pass acetylene into the mixture for 15 minutes. Add dimethylformamide (350 cc.) and allow the ammonia to evaporate. To the suspension of sodium acetylide thus obtained, add dropwise 3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-m-propyl bromide (33.5 g.), and heat the mixture to 60 and maintain at that temperature for 4 hours. Allow to cool, add ice and dilute sulphuric acid until the aqueous mixture is at pH 6. Extract the mixture with ether (a total of 1000` cc.) and wash the extract with saturated brine, concentrate the washed extract to 300 cc., dry over anhydrous magnesium sulphate, and evaporate off the remaining ether. Azeotrope the product with benzene to ensure no trace of water remains, to obtain as residue a dry oil, crude S-m-hydroxyphenylpent-l-yne (about g.).

`PREPARATION 9 S-m-acetoxyphenylpent-l-yne 'PREPARATION 10 5-(3-methoxyphenyl) hex-l-yne Add sodium (11.5 g.) slowly in small pieces to a stirred solution of liquid ammonia (750 cc.) through which a rapid stream of acetylene is passing at such a rate that no blue color is formed. Add 3-(3-methoxyphenyl)-nbutyl bromide (84 g.) in tetrahydrofuran rapidly to the well-stirred mixture, and after 22 hours decompose the mixture with water, collect the product with ether, wash and dry the ethereal solution and remove solvent by evaporation. Distill the residue to obtain 5- (3-methoxyphenyl)hexl-yne, 56.6 g., B.P. 84-95/0.55- 0.35 mm. Hg.

Calculated for ClaHlGO (percent): C, 83.00; H, 8.57. Found (percent): C, 82.79; H, 8:32.

Infrared absorption peaks at 3.06, 4.75, 6.25u.

' PREPARATION 11 1-diethylamino-6-m-methoxyphenylhex-Z-yne Allow 5-m-methoxyphenylpent-l-yne (8 g.) to stand for 12 hours at 70 C. under nitrogen with water (2.5 cc.), trioxan (0.5 g.), 30% Formalin (5.5 g.), diethylamine (4 g.), acetic iacid (2.75 g.), dioxan (25 cc.) and cuprous chloride (0.13 g.). Make the cooled solution alkaline with 10% aqueous sodium hydroxide and extract with ether; then extract the ether extract with 10% hydrochloric acid; wash the acid extract with ether, make alkaline with 10% aqueous sodium hydroxide, extract with ether, and then wash and dry the ether extract.

Distill to obtain 1-diethylamino-6-mmethoxyphenylhex 2-yne (10.6 g., 88%), B.P. 13G-131 C./0.l mm.

Calculated for C17H25N (percent): C, 78.7; H, 9.7.

Found (percent): C, 78.9; H, 9.6.

PREPARATION 12 1diethylamino-6-m-acetoxyphenylhex-Z-yne Add S-m-acetoxyphenylpent-l-yne (9.5 g.) to a mixture of trioxan (0.5 g.), 40% Formalin (5.5 g.), diethylamine (4 g.), acetic acid (2.75 g.) dioxan (25 cc.) and cuprous chloride (0.13 g.), at room temperature. Heat the mixture thus obtained to 70, to obtain a clear green solution, and maintain under nitrogen at that temperature for 12 hours. Cool and add ice, pour the product into icecold saturated potassium bicarbonate and the extract mixture with ether. Wash and dry, evaporate the extracts under reduced pressure and distill to obtain l-diethylamino-6-m-acetoxyphenylhex-2-yne (9.9 g.), B.P. 152-4/ 0.1 mm., as a pale yellow mobile liquid.

PREPARATION 13 1-diethylamino-6- (3 -methoxyphenyl) -hept-Z-yne Heat a mixture of 5(3methoxyphenyl)-hex-l-yne (56.6 g.), water (17.5 cc.), 40% Formalin (38.5 cc.), diethylamine (40 cc.), acetic acid (19 cc.), dioxan (175 cc.) and cuprous chloride (1. g.) at 70 for 16 hours in an atmosphere of nitrogen. Make the cooled solution alkaline with 10% aqueous sodium hydroxide and extract twice with ether. Wash the ether extracts with water, lter and extract with 4 N hydrochloric acid (3X 350 cc.). Make the acid extracts alkaline with 10% aqueous sodium hydroxide, extract with ether and wash the organic solution with water, brine and dry. Evaporate the solvent and distill the residue to obtain l-diethylamino- 6-(3-methoxyphenyl)-hept2yne, 79.5 g., BJP. 135-140/ 0.2 mm. Hg #D25 1.5116.

Calculated for C18H27ON (percent): C, 79.07; H, 9.95. Found (percent): C, 78.99; H, 9.67.

PREPARATION 14 A1-diethylamino-6-m-methoxyphenylhexan-3-one and 6-mmethoxyphenylhex1-en-3-one Add mercuric sulphate (0.45 g.) to a swirled solution of 1-diethylamino-6-m-methoxyphenylheX-Z-yne (8.5 g.) in concentrated sulphuric acid (2.5 cc.) and water (25 cc.). Keep the solution under nitrogen at 75 C. for l hour, then cool, make basic with' 10% aqueous sodium hydroxide, and filter through glass wool to remove mercuric oxide. Extract product with ether and wash and dry the ethereal solution. Remove the solvent `to obtain the crude ketoamine 1 diethylamine 6-m-methoxyphenylhexan-3-one, infrared absorption peak at 1710pt. Distil under reduced pressure with partial elimination of diethylamine, to obtain a mixture of the ketoamine l-diethylarnino 6 m methoxyphenylhexan-3-one and the vinyl ketone 6-m-methoxyphenylhex-1-en-3-one, (7.1 g., ca. 76%)., B.P. 140-145 C./0.1 mm.; infrared absorption peaks at 5.85 and 5.95,u, the ketoamine predominatlng.

Distil a second portion'of the crude ketoamine l-diethylamino-6-m methoxyphenylhexan-3-0ne very slowly over a period of 30 minutes through a Vigreux fractionating column 10 cm. high and 1 in. diameter under reduced pressure to eliminate most of the diethylamine. Dissolve the 6mmethoxyphenylhex1-en-3-one obtained (B.P. 114-6 C./O.7 mm.) in ether and wash the ether solution with dilute hydrochloric acid, followed by aqueous sodium bicarbonate and water. Dry and evaporate. Distil the residue to give the pure vinyl ketone as a colorless liquid, B.P. 76 C./0.3 mm.

Calculated for C13H16O2 (percent): C, 76.4; H, 7.9. lFound (percent): C, 76.3; H, 8.0.

Mix a third portion of the crude undistilled l-diethylamino 6 m methoxyphenylhexan 3 one (3 g.) with 15 methyl iodide (3 g.). An exothermic reaction soon develops. After 12 hours wash the mixture with ether to remove unchanged reactants and subject to reduced pressure (15 min.) to remove ether remaining: the residue is the crude methiodide of the ketoamine (4.6 g.). Infrared :absorption peak at 5 .85,u.

PREPARATION 1 5 1-diethylamino-6-m-hydroxyphenylhexan-3one Add mercuric sulphate (0.27 g.) rapidly with swirling to a solution of 1-diethylamino-6-m-acetoxyphenylhex-2- yne (3.1 g.) in aqueous sulphuric acid (15 cc.), and heat the resulting green solution at 75 under nitrogen for 11/2 hours. After cooling, lter to remove mercuric sulphate and add solid potassium bicarbonate until the product has pH 8.8. Extract the solution with ether. Wash the ether extracts with brine made alkaline to pH 8.8, and dry over anhydrous magnesium sulphate. Evaporate the ether at room temperature to obtain a residue of crude 1 diethylamino--m-hydroxyphenylhexan-3-one as a viscous brown oil (2.4 g.), showing infrared absorption at 5.85# indicating the presence of a keto group, to gether with the characteristic band of a phenolic hydroxy group and the complete absence of a band at 5.68# corresponding to a phenolic acetate group.

PREPARATION 16 1-diethylamino-6-m-acetoxyphenylhexan-3-one and 6-m-acetoxyphenylhex-1-en-3 -one Acetylate the crude 1-diethylamino6-m-hydroxyphenylhexan-3-one (2.4 g.) by adding pyridine (7 cc.) and acetic anhydride (3 cc.) and allow the mixture to stand overnight at room temperature. Work up the mixture as in the acetylation stage described in the preparation of S-m-acetoxyphenylpent-l-yne above, to obtain crude 1- diethylamino-6-m-acetoxyphenylhexan-3-one as a viscous brown oil (2.7 g.).

Infrared absorption peaks at 5.68# with a shoulder at 5.85# and no appreciable phenolic absorption.

Distil in a Hickman stil at 0.1 mm., with partial elimination of diethylamine, and collect a colorless mobile liquid, B.P. 160-70/0.1 mm., which is a mixture (1.8 g.) of the ketoamine and 6-m-acetoxyphenylhex-1-en-3- one.

Infrared absorption peaks at 5.68, 5.88, 5.95m the nature of the absorption indicating a predominance of the vinyl ketone in the mixture.

PREPARATION 17 Dissolve 1 diethylamino-6-(mmethoxyphenyl)hept2 yne (13.6 g.) in 10% aqueous sulphuric acid (40 cc.) and stir with mercurio sulphate (0.69 g.) for 2 hours at 70. Filter the cooled solution, make basic with 10% aqueous water and brine, and dry (NazSOr). Evarporate the solvent and distil the residue to obtain l-diethylamino-6-(m-methoxyphenyl)heptan-3-one which has partially eliminated to 6-(m-methoxyphenyl)hept1-en-3-one during the distillation, B.P. 145 l2 mm. Hg. Infrared absorption peaks at 5.9511..

PREPARATION 18 1 diethylamino 6 (m methoxyphenyl) 5 methylhexan 3 one and 5 methyl 6 l(m methoxyphenyl) hex- 1-en-3 -one Add mercuric sulphate (0.45 g.) to a stirred solution of 1 diethylamino-S-methyl--(m-methoxyphenyl)hex-2- yne (8 g.) in concentrated sulfuric acid (2.5 cc.) and water (25 cc.) and heat the mixture at 70 for 11/2 hours. Filter the cooled solution, make basic with 10% aqueous sodium hydroxide and extract with ether. Wash and dry the ethereal solution and evaporate to leave as CJI 16 residue crude l-diethylamino-G-(mmethoxyphenyl)5 methylhexan-3-one; infrared absorption peaks at 5.85/r. Slowly distil at 0.1 mm. Hg to obtain 5-methyl-6-(rnmethoxyphenyl)hex 1 en 3 one; infrared absorption peaks at 5.85/1.

PREPARATION 19 6-(m-methoxyphenyl)hex-1-en-3-one Add mercuric sulphate (1.12 g.) to a swirled s olution of 1-diethylamino-6-(m-methoxyphenyl)hex2-yne `(2.5 g.) in concentrated sulphuric acid (6.25 g.) and water (62 cc.). Maintain the solution at 75 C. for 2 hours, then cool, lter, make basic and extract with ether. After the solvent has been removed, distil the residue slowly over a period of 30 minutes through a Vigreux fractionating column of height 10 cm. and diameter 1 cm. under reduced pressure, to obtain the crude vinyl ketone (14.5 g., B.P. 11S-23 C./0.05 mm.) containing a very small amount of ketoamine To obtain the pure vinyl ketone, dissolve the distillate (5.2 g.) in ether, wash the solution with dilute hydrochloric acid, followed by water and sodium bicarbonate solution, dry, and evaporate the ether and redistil the residue. The pure vinyl ketone, 6-(m-methoxyphenyl)hex 1-en-3-one (B.P. 116.8 C./0.5 mm.), shows infrared absorption peak at 5.97/r.

Calculated for C13H10O2 (percent): C, 76.4; H, 7.9. Found (percent): C, 76.3; H, 8.0.

PREPARATION 20 Z-ethylcyclopentane-1,3-dione Dissolve 2-ethylcyclopentane-1,3,4-trione hydrate (30 g., M.P. 65-69, Koenigs and Hopmann, Ber., 1921, 54, 1343) in ethanol (200 cc.) and water cc.). To this solution add dropwise during 1 hour a solution of semicarbazide hydrochloride (21 g.) and sodium acetate (28.2 g.) in water 200 cc.) with vigorous stirring throughout. Filter off the semicarbazone precipitated, wash with methanol, and purify by stirring in refiuxing methanol; filter to obtain a pale cream powder, M.P. 179-182.

Dissolve the semicarbazone (34 g.) in a solution of potassium hydroxide (34 g.) in dry ethylene glycol at and heat the mixture to 160 for 1 hour, followed by 30 minutes at 180. Distil the glycol at 0.01 mm.,vdis solve the residual solid in water cc.) and make the solution acid to Congo red with hydrochloric acid. Cool to 0 overnight and filter. Recrystallize the residue from water to obtain 2-ethylcyclopentane-1,3-dione., (10 g.) M.P. with sublimation PREPARATION 2l 2-(6-m-methoxyphenyl-3oxohexyl)-Z-methylcyclopentane- 1,3-dione Reflux a mixture (6 g.) of 1-diethylamino-6-m-methoxyphenylhexan-3-one and 6-m-methoxyphenylhex-1-en- 3-one with 2-methylcyc1opentane-1,3-dione (2.8 g.) in 0.12% dry methanolie potassium hydroxide solution (20 cc.) for 12 hours. Remove most of the methanol under reduced pressure and add a mixture (50 cc.) of equal volumes of benzene and ether; wash the solution with water, alkali and hydrochloric acid, and dry. Evaporate the solvent to obtain the adduct, the triketone 2-(6-m-methoxyphenyl 3 oxohexyl) 2-methylcyclopentane-1,3- dione (6.7 g.), a viscous brown gum.

PREPARATION 22 2-(6-m-methoxyphenyl-3oxohexyl)-Z-ethylcyclopentane- 1,3-dione Reflux a mixture (5.25 g.) of 1-diethylamino-6-mmethoxyphenylhexan-3-one and 6-m-methoxyphenylhex- 1-en-3-one with 2-ethylcyclopentane-1,3-dione, (33g.) in dry 0.12% methanolic solution of potassium hydroxide for 18 hours. Filter the resulting solution, evaporate to dryness and dissolve the residue in ether. Wash the ether v17 solution with alkali, hydrochloric acid, and water, dry and evaporate to obtain a residue the triketone 2-(6-mmethoxyphenyl 3 oxohexyl)-2-ethylcyclopentane-1,3- dione, (7.1 g.) as agum.

PREPARAHON 23 2-(6-m-methoxyphenyl-3-oxoheptyl)2ethylcyclopentane- 1,3 -dione PREPARATION '24 2- (6-m-hydroxyphenyl3 -oxohexyl) -Z-methylcyclopentane-1,3-dione Reilux 1-diethylamino-6-m-hydroxyphenylhexan-3-one (0.71 g.) with Z-methylcyclopentane-l,3-dione (0.70 g.) in 0.12% methanolic potassium hydroxide (5 cc.) for 18 hours. Remove the solvent under reduced pressure. Add chloroform (50 cc.) and wash the solutionrin turn with dilute sulphuric acid, saturated aqueous potassium bicarbonate, and brine, dry and evaporate the solvent..Th'e product, an amber gum, is the adduct 2-(6-m-hydroxyphenyl-3-oxohexyl)2-methylcyclopentane-1,3 dione. Infrared absorption peaks at y2.94, 5.71, 5.83, and 5.87,:1..

PREPARATION 25 l 2-(6-m-acetoxyphenyl-3-oxohexyl) -2-rnethylcyclopen- Y tane- 1 ,3-dione Reux a mixture of -(m-acetoxyphenyl)-l-diethylaminohexan-3-one and 6-(m-acetoxyphenyl)hex-l-en-3- one (lg),` with 2-methyl-cyclopentane-1,3-dione (1.5 g.) in 0.12% methanolic potassium hydroxide (6 cc.) for 18 hours. Remove-methanol (2 cc.) under reducedpressure and add chloroform (60cc.). Wash theusolution in turn with dilute sulphuric acid (25 cc.), saturated potassium bicarbonate solution, and brine; dryand evaporate the solvent. The product (0.8 g.) is the adduct 2-(6-111- acetoxyphenyl-3-oxohexyl)-2-rnethylcyclopentane 1,3, dione in admixture with some of the corresponding'free phenol; infrared absorption: 2.86 to 3.08 (broadlow intensity band), 5.71, 5.81, 5.85, and 8.26p. v

PREPARATION 26 5,6,7,8tetrahydro4(m-methoxyphenethyl) -8-methylindane-1,5-dione To 2-(6-m-methoxyphenyl-3-oxohexy1) 2 methylcyclopentane-1,3-`dione (16.5 g.) in xylene (.120 cc.) add benzoic acid (7.1 g.) and triethylamine (5.9l cc.).'Rellux the mixture for 6 days using a Dean-Stark water trap, then cool. Add ether and wash the solution, then dry` and evaporate. Take up the resulting gum in a mixture of light petroleum and benzene and chromatographon neutral alumina. Elute with a benzene-ether mixture to obtain the ethylenic diketone 5,6,7,8tetrahydro4-(m methoxyphenethyl)-8-methylindane-1,5 dione(12.5 g., 59%); ultra-violet absorption peak at 248 ma (e 8,500).

PREPARATION 27 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4-(m-methoxyphenethyl)-S-methylin-` dane-1,5-dione Add 5,6,7,8 tetrahydro 8 methylindane 1,5 dione (5.5 g.) (Panouse and Sannie, Bull. Soc. Chim. France,

18 1955', 1036; Boyce and Whitehurst, I. Chem. Soc., 1959, 2022) in benzene (30 cc.) with vigorous stirring to potassium tert-butoxide (from the metal, 1.45 g.) in benzene cc.) under dry nitrogen. Remove the benzene-tert- -butanol azetrope using a Fenske fractionating column with variable take-off head. Cool the residual `benzene solution of the potassium enolate to room temperature and add rnmethoxyphenethyl bromide (8 g.) (Collins and Smith, J. Chem. Soc., 1956, 4308) in tbenzene (50 cc.) dropwise over 15 minutes, after which stir the mixture for 1 hour, then reliux for a further hour. Work up the product with ether and evaporate the ether extract to obtain a gum. Distil to yield fraction A (5 g.), B.P. 60-150/0.05 mm. and fraction B (2.1 g.), B.P. -90/0.05 mm. Fraction B is the diketone 5,6,7,8tetrahydro4(m-methoxyphenethyl)-8-methylindane-1,5-dione, a viscous oil containing some impurity; ultraviolet absorption peak at 245 ma (e 8,300); infrared absorption peaks at 5.75, 6.02, 6.23, 6.29, 12.82, and 14.33,,

PREPARATION 28 8-ethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4-( m-methoxyphenethyl) indane-1,5-dione Reux 2 ethyl 2 (6 m methoxyphenyl 3 oxohexyl)cyclopentane-1,3dione (15 g.) in xylene (120 cc.) with benzoic acid (7.1 g.) and triethylamine (5.9 cc.) using a Dean-Stark water separator for 14 days. Add ether and wash the cooled solution free from benzoic acid with sodiurn carbonate solution. Dry the solution and evaporate to a brown gum. Distil at 220 (0.01 mm. Hg) to obtain 8 -ethyl 5,6,7,8 tetrahydro 4 (m methoxyphenethyl)-indane1,5dione as a yellow gum; ultraviolet absorption peak at 247 ma (E 8,400); infrared absorption peak at 5.76 and 6.03/1..

PREPARATION 29 5,6,7,8tetrahydro4-m-methoxyphenethyl-S-methyl- 5-oxoindane-1-ol To the ethylenic diketone, 5,6,7,8tetrahydro4m methoxyphenethyl 8 methylindane 1,5 dione (12;35 g.) in ethanol (500 cc.) at 0 C. add sodium borohydride (1 g.) in ethanol (50 cc.) over 20 minutes. Allow the mixture to warm to room temperature and then stir for 12 minutes. Add a slight excess of acetic acid and evaporate the solvent under reduced pressure. Treat the residue with water (60 cc.) and ether extract. Wash, dry and evaporate the extracts to obtain a 'glassy residue whichv crystallizes on cooling and scratching. Recrystallize the ethylenic ketofalcohol, 5,6,7,8 tetrahydro 4 m methoxyphenethyl 8 methyl 5 oxoindane 1 ol (9.4 g.) from a mixture' o'f light petroleum and diisopropyl ether, M.P. 88-90`C."; infrared absorption peaks at 2.94 and 6.02/t.

Calculated for C19H24O3 (percent): C, 76.0; H, 8.05. Found (percent): C, 75.7; H, 8.0.

PREPARATION 30 4-m-methoxyphenethyl-8-ethy1-5-oxo-5,6,7,8

- tetrahydroindan- 1-ol n ,'Addsodiurn borohydride (0.4 g. in ethanol (80 cc.)) to the diketone 4 m methoxyphenethyl 8 ethyl- 5,6,7,8 tetrahydroindane-1,5-dione (3 g.) in ethanol (80 cc.) and allow the mixture to stand at 20 for 10 minutes. Add a slight excess of acetic acid and evaporate the solution a1- most=to dryness under reduced pressure. Add water, extract the mixture with ether and wash the ethereal solutionwithaqueous sodium carbonate and water and dry. Evaporate the solvent to obtain 4-m-methoxyphenethyl-8- ethyl 5 oxo 5, 6,78 tetrahydroindan 1 ol; infrared absorption peaks at 2.94 and 6.01/1..

IIydrogenate 5,6,7,8 tetrahydro 4 mmethoxy- 19 phenethyl 8 methyl indane 1,5 dione (0.95 g.) in ethanol (40 cc.) at atmospheric pressure with 10% palladium on charcoal catalyst (0.2 g.); the calculated amount of hydrogen is taken up in 10 hours. Filter and remove solvent to obtain a colorless gum (0.88 g.), ultraviolet absorption peaks at 277, and 270 ma (e 1600, 1700) as the crude saturated diketone, hexahydro-4mmethoxy phenethyl-S-methylindane-l,5-dione.

PREPARATION 3 2 Dissolve 5,6,7,8 tetrahydro 4 m methoxyphenethyl-S-methyl-S-oxoindan-1-01 in ethanol (30 cc.) and add palladium on charcoal catalyst (0.3 g.). Shake the mixture in hydrogen at atmospheric pressure, the theoretical amount of hydrogen being taken up in 8 hours. Filter off the catalyst and remove the solvent under reduced pressure, to obtain a gum, ultraviolet absorption peaks at 277, 270 ma (E 1500, 1700), consistent with the structure of hexahydro 4 m methoxyphenethyl 8- methyl-S-oxoindan-l-Ol.

PREPARATION 3 3 Hexahydro-4-m-methoxyphenethyl-S-methylindan- 1,5 -dione PREPARATION 34 4mmethoxyphenethy18-ethyl-trans-hexahydroindane 1,5-dione Dissolve 4-m-methoxyphenethy1-8-ethyl-5,6,7,8tetrahy droidane1,5dione (2 g.) in ethanol (50 cc.) containing 10% palladized charcoal (0.6 g.) and shake in an atmosphere of hydrogen for 12 hours, when hydrogen uptake almost ceases. Remove the catalyst by lteration and evaporate the solvent to a gum which is dissolved in a little benzene and filtered through a short column of alumina. Evaporate the solvent to obtain a gum consisting of steroisomers of the diketone 4-methoxyphenethyl- 8-ethyl-trans hexahydroindane 1,5 dione; infrared absorption peaks at 5.75 and 5.85/L.

PREPARATION 35 4-m-methoxyphenethyl-8-ethyl-5-oxo-transhexahydroindanl-ol Hydrogenate 4-m methoxyphenethyl 8 ethyl-5-0Xo- 5,6,7,8tetrahydroindanl-ol (2 g.) as for the preparation of the corresponding 8-methyl compound to obtain 4-mmethoxyphenethyl-8-ethyl-5-oxo-trans hexahydroindan-I 1-ol as a gum.

PREPARATION 36 4-m-methoxyphenethyl-8-ethyl-trans-hexahydroindane-1,5dione l Dissolve 4-m-methoxyphenethyl-8-ethyl 5 oxo-transhexahydroindan-l-ol (1 g.) in pyridine (30 cc.) and add chromium trioxide (1.6 g) carefully with stirring under nitrogen. Allow the mixture to stand at room temperature for 24 hours, add ethyl acetate (20 cc.), and lter the mixture through a short column of alumina with ethyl acetate. Remove the solvent to obtain 4-m-methoxyphenethyl-S-ethyl-trans-hexahydroindane 1,5 dione as a gum; infrared absorption peaks at 5.75, and 5.85ft.

20 PREPARATION 37 13-methyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5(10),8,14 pentaen- 17 -one Dissolve the triketone 2-(6-m-methoxyphenyl-3-oxohexyl)-2-methylcyclopentane-1,3-dione (6.7 g.), in dry benzene cc.) containing anhydrous toluene-p-sulphonic acid (2.4 g.). Reflux the mixture using a Dean- Stark water separator until the equivalent of two molecular proportions of water (0.99 cc.) is collected 30 min.), indicating a double cyclodehydration. Cool and wash to remove acid, and dry. Evaporate the dried solution to obtain a red gum. Distil the gum under reduced pressure (bath temp. 210, 0.5 mm.). Recrystallize the solidified distillate from methanol, giving 13-methyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5(10),8,14pentaenl7one (3.9 g.), M.P. 115- 6; ultraviolet absorption peak at 313 m/t (e 35,100). The light absorption is in agreement with the structure assigned.

Calculated for C19H20O2 (percent): C, 81.4; H, 7.2. Found (percent): C, 81.1; H, 7.0.

PREPARATION 38 Reflux the triketone 2-ethyl-2-(6-m-methoxyphenyl-3- oxo-hexyl)cyclopentane-1,3dione (7.1 g.), in benzene cc.) and toluene-p-sulphonic acid (2 g.) until the theoretical amount of water (0.72 cc.) for double cyclodehydration has been collected in a Dean-Stark separator. Wash the cooled reaction mixture after removal of solvent under reduced pressure, B.P. ca. 220/0.01 mm., to obtain an almost colorless glass (5.7 g.). Crystallize the glass from methanol containing a little ethyl acetate t0 obtain pure 13,8 ethyl- 3 methoxygona1,3,5(10),8,14 pentaen-17-one `(3.7 g.), M.P. 77-80; ultraviolet absorption peak at 311 ma (e 28,000).

Calculated for CZOHZZOZ (percent): C, 81.6; H, 7.5. Found (percent): C, 81.3; H, 7.3.

PREPARATION 39 13-ethyl-3-methoxy-6-methy1gona-1, 3 ,5 10) ,8, 14- pentaen-17-one Reflux 2( 6 m methoXyphenyl-3oxoheptyl)-2-ethylcyclopentane-1,3dione (14 g.) with anhydrous toluenep-sulphonic acid (4 g.) in benzene (50 cc.) with continuous water separation for 20 minutes. Wash the cooled solution with water, dry, and evaporate the solvent. Dstil the residual red gum to obtain l3-ethyl-3-methoxy- 6-methylgona-1,3,5( 10),8,l4pentaen17one as a gum; ultraviolet absorption peak at 315 mit (e 21,000); infrared absorption peak at 5.75 mu.

PREPARATION 40` 13 -methyl-3-hydroxygona-1,3,5 10) ,8,14- pentaen-17-one Reflux 2-(-m-hydroxyphenyl-3-oxohexyl) 2 methylcyclopentane-l,3dione (0.5 g.), (the product of Michael condensation of Z-methylcyclopentane-1,3-dione with 6- m hydroxyphenyl 1 diethylaminohexan-S-one) for 50 minutes in benzene (30 cc.) containing toluene-p-sulphonic acid (0.3 g.) using a Dean-Stark trap. Add ether (80 cc.) to the cooled product and lter olf the resulting insoluble material. Wash the ethereal solution in turn with water, saturated aqueous potassium bicarbonate, and brine, and dry. The product is a deep green gum which one takes up in a small quantity of ether; precipitate the insoluble impurities by the addition of light petroleum and filter off. Evaporate the resulting solution to obtain a crystalline residue, which one takes up in a mixture of benzene (10 cc.) and ether (2 cc.); adsorb the solution on an activated fullers earth (10 g.). Elute with benzene to obtain l3-methyl-3-hydroxygona- 1,3,5(l),8,14-pentaen-l7-One (0.19 g), M.P. 225 (decomp).

Calculated for C18H18O2 (percent): C, 812.2; H, 6.8. Found (percent): C, 80.7; H, 7.0.

PREPARATION 41 13-ethyl-3-hydroxygona-1,3,5(10),8,14 pentaen-17-one PREPARATION 42 13 -methyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5 (10),8tetraen17on Shake 13p methyl- 3 methoxygona 1,3,5( l0),8,14 pentaen-17-one (l g.) in benzene (35 cc.) with a 10% palladium on barium sulphate catalyst (0.3 g.) in the presence of hydrogen at atmospheric pressure until 90 cc. hydrogen has been absorbed. By the end of this period (l1/2 hours) the rate of hydrogenation will have slowed down. Filter the mixture and evaporate the solvent to obtain a gum which solidies; recrystallize from ethanol to obtain the title product (0.68 g.), M.P. 110-120g ultraviolet absorption peak at 278 mit (e 13,200).

PREPARATION 43 13-ethyl-3-methoxygona1,3,5 10) ,8-tetraen-17-one Dissolve 13,8 ethyl- 3 methoxygona l,3,5(10),8,14 pentaen-17-one (2 g.) in dioxan (50 cc.) containing Raney nickel (ca. 0.5 g.) of moderate activity and shake 'with hydrogen until 160 cc., the amount corresponding to one molecular proportion has been absorbed. Recrystal lize the isolated product from methanol to obtain the title product( 1.2 g.), M.P. 110-125; ultraviolet absorption peak at 280 ma (e 13,200).

PREPARATION 44 13 -methyl-3-hydroxygona-1,3,5 10) ,8-tetraen-17-one Hydrogenate 13methyl3acetoxygona 1 ,3 ,5 10 8, 14- pentaen17one (0.05 g.), obtained by the acetylation of 13,8-methyl 3 hydroxygona 1,3,5 (l0),8,l4-pentaen17 one using pyridine and acetic anhydride in benzene cc.) at atmospheric pressure using a 10% palladized charcoal catalyst (0.025 g.). Hydrogenation slows down markedly after the requisite quantity of hydrogen for monohydrogenation has been absorbed. Remove the catalyst by filtration and evaporate the solvent to obtain as residue the crude title product.

Immediately take the product up in methanol (4 cc.), add 3 N sodium hydroxide solution 1 cc.) and shake the mixture for 20 minutes. Acidify and extract with ether to obtain a product which one dissolves in benzene and passes through a column of activated fullers earth. Evaporate the resulting solution and recrystallize the residue from methanol to obtain the title product, M.P. 22S-7; ultraviolet absorption peak at 278 m/L (e 15,300).

PREPARATION 45 13-methyl-3-hydroxygona-1,3,5(10),8tetraen17one Shake 13,3 methyl 3 hydrozygona 1,3,5(10),8,l4 pentaen-l7-one (0.05 g.) in benzene (25 cc.) in hydrogen at atmospheric pressure using a 10% palladized charcoal catalyst (0.025 g.). Hydrogenation becomes very slow when 1.1 moles hydrogen has been absorbed. Filter and 22 evaporate to obtain the title product (0.035 g.), recrystallize from methanol to get pale blue crystals, M.P. 22S-8, melting to a red liquid; ultraviolet absorption peak at 280 III/l. (e 12,000).

PREPARATION 46 1 3 -ethy1-3-hydroxygona- 1,3,5 1 0) ,S-tetraen- 17 -one Hydrogenate 13-ethyl-3-hydroxygona 1,3,5(l0),8,14 pentaen-17-one (0.5 g.) in benzene (25 cc.) at atmospheric pressure using a 10% palladized charcoal catalyst (0.025 g.). After the absorption of 1.1 molar equivalents of hydrogen, hydrogenation becomes very slow; remove the catalyst by ltration and evaporate the `filtrate to obtain the title product which crystallizes from methanol in colorless plates (0.35 g.), M.P. 23S-9; ultraviolet absorption peak at 280.5 mn (e 15,500).

PREPARATION 47 13-ethy1-3-acetoxygona-1,3,5 10),8tetraen17one Hydrogenate 13ethyl3acetoxygona 1,3,5(10),8,14 pentaen-17-one (1.8 g.) dissolved in benzene (25 ml.) at atmospheric pressure in the presence of 10% palladized charcoal mg.). After 1.1 molar equivalents of hydrogen has been absorbed (ca. 12 hr.) filter 01T the catalyst, evaporate the ltrate under reduced pressure and recrystallize the residue from ethanol. Filter the red product through Florisil (60 g.) with benzene-petraleum (3:1), remove the solvent and recrystallize the product from ethanol to obtain the title product, M.P. 132.5- 134.5; ultraviolet absorption peak at 277 mp (e 12,800).

PREPARATION 48 13-methyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5(10),8-tetraenl7ol Add sodium borohydride (0.5 g.) in ethanol (60 cc.) with stirring to l3-methyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5(10),8- tetraen-17-one (2.0 g.) in ethanol (15() cc.) at 14-15". Leave the mixture at room temperature for 1 hour, acidify with glacial acetic acid and evaporate to dryness under reduced pressure. Treat the residue with water, ether-extract and wash and dry. Evaporate the extracts. Recrystallize the residue from a mixture of methanol (l5 cc.) and water (3 cc.) to obtain the title product (0.90 g.), M.P. 11G-2. A sample sublimes at 110"/10F4 mm. and has an ultraviolet absorption peak at 277 my. (e 14,500). l

PREPARATION 49 Add 13-ethyl-3-methoxygona- 1,3,5 10),8-tetraen17 one (16.8 g.) to a solution of sodium borohydride (6 g.) in methanol (500 cc.); swirl the mixture which boils spontaneously. yWhen all the material has been added and the reaction has subsided, add acetic acid 15 cc.). Reduce the mixture in volume by evaporation of most of the solvent, add water and extract the product with ether. Evaporate the washed and dried extracts to obtain crude crystalline product (16.8 g.), M.P. l02-5 on recrystallization from acetonitrile.

PREPARATION 50 13 -ethyl-3-methoxy-17 aethynylgona-1,3,5 10),8

- tetraen-17-ol To a stirred suspension of lithium acetylide (42.4 g.) in a mixture of dioxan (240 cc.), ethylenediamine (l0 cc.), and dimethylacetamide (250 cc.) add a solution of 13-ethyl-3-methoxygona 1,3,5 l0),8 tetraen-17-one (66.6 g.) in dimethylacetamide (450 cc.) in an atmosphere of acetylene. Continue stirring for an additional 20 hours (under acetylene). Pour the reaction mixture into crushed ice (1.5 kg.) and extract with four 200 cc. portions of benzene. Wash the combined extracts with sulfuric acid and Water and dry. Evaporate the solvent to obtain a crude oil which one dissolves in methanol (450 cc.) and treats with charcoal (6.5 g.). After concentrating the filtrate to 300 cc. add water (45 cc.) and cool Y PREPARATION 1 13,17a-diethyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5( 10) ,8-tetraen-17-ol yShake 13-ethyl-3-methoxy-17a-ethynylgona-1,3,5 10 8-tetraen-17-ol (1.9 g.) in benzene (100 cc.) with hydrogen at atmospheric pressure in the presence of a prereduced 2% palladium on calcium carbonate catalyst (0.6 g.) until no more hydrogen is absorbed. Hydrogenation ceases when the requisite amount of hydrogen for selective saturation of the ethynyl group has been absorbed. Filter and evaporate the solvent to obtain a crystalline residue which one recrystallizes from methanol, to obtain the title product (1.5 g.), M.P. 139-l40; ultraviolet absorption peak at 276 mp. (e 15,500); infrared absorption peak at 2.79/1..

PREPARATION 52 13 -methyl-3methoxygona-1,3,5( 10) ,9-tetraen-17-0ne Allow the diketone 4-(2m-methoxyphenylethyl)-8- methyl-transhexahydroindan-1,5-dione (0.77 g.) in methanol cc.) and concentrated hydrochloric acid (4 cc.) to stand overnight at 0 C. Treat the mixture with water cc.) and extract with a mixture of ether and benzene. Evaporate the washed and dried extracts to leave a gum which crystallizes (0.65 g.). Recrystallize from a mixture of ethyl acetate and ethanol to obtain 13-mcthy1-3- methoxygona 1,3,5(10),9 tetraen-17-one, M.P. 144- 148 C.

PREPARATION 53 Allow the dketone 4-(Z-m-methoxyphenylethyl)-8- ethyl-transhexahydroindan1,5-dione (0.8 g.) in methanol (25 cc.) and concentrated hydrochloric acid (4 cc.) to stand 15 hours at 0 C. Filter the precipitate and recrystallize from methanol to give 13-ethyl-3-methoxygona- 1,3,5(10),9tetraen17one; ultraviolet absorption peak at 264 ma (e 18,000); infrared absorption peak at 5.78.

PREPARATION 54 13 -ethyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5 10) ,9-tetraen-17-ol Reflux 13,6 ethyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5(l0),9tetraen 17-one (0.5 g.) and sodium borohydride (0.2 g.) in ethanol (20 cc.) for 30 minutes. Add excess acetic acid and evaporate the solution almost to dryness under reduced pressure. Add water and collect the product in ether. Wash, dry, and evaporate the ethereal solution and recrystallize the residue from methanol to obtain 13pethyl-3-methoxygona 1,3,5(10),9 tetraen-17-ol; ultraviolet absorption peak at 265 mp. (e 14,800).

PREPARATION 55 13-ethyl-3-methoxygona-1,3 ,5 10 ,9-tetraenl 719-01 Reflux 13 ethyl-3-methoxygona-l,3,5(10),8-tetraene 17-ol (0.5 g.) in ethanol (15 cc.) and concentrated hydrochloric acid (3 cc.) for 2 hours. Dilute the cooled solution with water and collect the product in ether. Wash, dry and evaporate the ethereal solution and recrystallize the residue from methanol to obtain 13 -ethyl- 3 methoxygona 1,3,5(10),9tetraen17o1; ultraviolet absorption peaks at 265 ma (e 15,000).

PREPARATION 56 13 /3-ethyl-3-methoxygonal ,3 ,5(10),9tetraen17one Treat 13p` ethyl-3-methoxy-17,17-ethylenedioxygona- 24 1,3,5(10),8tetraene (0.5 g.) exactly as described in the previous example to obtain 13 ethyl 3-methoxyg0na- 1,3,5(10),9-tetraen17one; ultraviolet absorption peak at 266 mit (s 15,000); infrared absorption peaks at 5.78%

yPREPARATION 57 Dissolve 13-ethyl-3-hydroxygona-1,3,5 10 ,8tetraen 17-one in Warm methanol (125 ml.) and treat with concentrated hydrochloric acid (25 cc.). Heat the solution under reux for 45 minutes, cool and keep at 0 for 1 hour; then filter the solid and Washvwith cold methanol. Dry the product in vacuo to obtain 13-ethyl-3-hydroxygona-1,3,5(10),9tetraen17one, M.P. 265; ultraviolet absorption peak at 266 rn,u. (e 15,400). v

PREPARATION 58 y tetraene- 1713-01 Add lithium acetylide v(3.5 g.) in dioxane (10 cc.) ethylenediamine (10 cc.), and dimethylacetamide (20 cc.) to 13-ethyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5(10),9tetraene17 one (3.5 g.) in dimethylacetamide cc.) with stirring in an atmosphere of acetylene. Stir the mixture for 16 hours at room temperature then pour over crushed ice and extract with ether. Evaporate the washed and dried extracts to a residue and chromatograph on Florex to obtain a product which on recrystallization from methanol-water and then from ethyl acetate-hexane gives 13/3- ethyl 3-methoxy-17a-ethynylgona-1,3,5(10),9tetraene 17,8-01, M.P. 11G-112; ultraviolet absorption peaks at 263 mu (e 20,400); infrared absorption peaks at 2.80 and 3.05/2.

PREPARATION 59 Add 13,8-ethy1-3-methoxy-17-ethynylgona-l,3,5(10),9 tetraen-17-ol (1 g.) in benzene (15 cc.) to 2% prereduced palladium on calcium carbonate catalyst (300 mg.) in benzene (10 cc.) and shake the mixture in an atmosphere of hydrogen until 2 molecular equivalents of hydrogen (170 cc.) has been adsorbed. Filter the catalyst and evaporate the solvent to obtain 13,8,17a diethyl 3- methoxygona-1,3,5(10),9tetraen17,B-ol and recrystallize from methanol, M.P. 112-117; ultraviolet absorption peak at 265 ma (e 16,100).

EXAMPLE 1 Add D homo-13,6-methyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5(10),9 tetraen-17a-one (0.5 g.) in tetrahydrofuran (35 cc.) to a stirred solution of potassium (0.35 g.) in liquid ammonia cc.). After 5 minutes add more potassium (0.35 g.) and after a further 30 minutes add ammonium chloride (2 g.) to discharge the blue color. Add water (75 cc.), collect the product with ether, evaporate the solvent andv recrystallize from methanol to obtain D homo 13g?- methyl 3 methoxygona-1,3,5(l0)trien-17aB-ol, M.P. 98-99. Sublime to obtain the compound, M.P. 13S-140.

Calculated for CZOHZSOZ (percent): C, 80.10; H, 9.41. Found (percent): C, 80.2; H, 9.21. Y

This compound has estrogenic activity, lowers the blood lipid level, and is useful as an intermediate for preparing compounds which have hormonal activity.

EXAMPLE 2 D homo 13,8 methyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5(10)-trien- 17a-one Prepare a solution of 8 N chromic acid in aqueous sulphuric acid by dissolving chromium trioxide (26.72 g.) in concentrated sulphuric acid (23 cc.) and -then diluting with water to 100 cc. Add the solution (0.3 cc.) dropwise to D homo-13-methyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5(10)-trien- 17a,ol (100 mg.) in acetone (30 cc.). After 30 seconds add water (50 cc.) and extract the mixture with etherbenzene. Evaporate the washed andL dried extractsv and recrystallize the residue from ethanol to obtain D-homo- 13 methyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5(10)'-trien-l7a-one (69 mg., 69%), M.P. 153-5" C.; infrared absorption spectrum (measured in carbon disulphide solution) is identical with that of D horno 13-methyl-3-methoxygona- 1,3,5 ()-trien-17a-one prepared from natural estrone methyl ether by the method of Goldberg and Studer, (Helv. Chim. Acta. 1941, 24, 478, 295E). Prepare the benzylidene derivative by reuxing the ketone with benzaldehyde and sodium methoxide in methanol, M.P. 14S-6 C., proving its identity with the product described by Johnson et al., (J. Amer. Chem. Soc., 1952, 74, 2832) as having M.P. 146-7 C.

Calculated for C20H26O2 (percent): C, 80.5; H, 8.8. Pound (percent): C, 80.3; H, 8.7.

This compound has estrogenic activity, lowers the lblood lipid level, and is useful as an intermediate for preparing compounds which have hormonal activity.

EXAMPLE 3 Add D-homo-l3-methyl-3-methoxygona 1,3,5(10),8 tetraen-17a-one (0.1 g.) in tetrahydrofuran (10 cc.) to liquid ammonia (50 cc.) and add potassium (0.15 g.) to the mixture. Stir for 1 hour and then treat with solid ammonium chloride (2 g.). Add water (50 cc.) and etherextract the product and work up the extract to give crude D-homo 13 methyl-3-methoxygonal,3,5(10)-trien- 17a-ol. Dissolve this ether in acetone (20 cc.) and add 8 N chromic acid (0.1 cc.) followed after 2 minutes by a little ethanol. Reduce the solution in bulk by evaporating solvent, add water, extract the mixture with ether-benzene mixture, and wash, dry and evaporate the extracts. Crystallize the gummy product, wash it with a little ether and recrystallize from ethanol. Dissolve the product in benzene, chromatograph on an alumina column. Elute with benzene, evaporate and recrystallize from ethanol to obtain D-homol 3,8-methyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5 10 trien-l7a-one, M.P. 153-5.

This compound has estrongenic activity, lowers Vthe blood lipid level, and is useful as an intermediate for preparing compounds which have hormonal activity.

EXAMPLE 4 y v 13 -methyl-3methoxygovna-1,3,5 10)-trien-17-ol Calcd. for C19H26O2 (percent): C, 79.7; H, 9.15. Found (percent): C, 79.5; H, 9.0.

This compound has estrogenic activity, lowers the blood lipid level, and is useful as an intermediater for preparing compounds which have hormonal activity.

EXAMPLE 5 l3-methyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5 (10)-trien-17-ol Add 13 methyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5(10),8tetraen 17one (M.P. 11G-120, 0.25 g.) dissolved in tetrahydrofuran cc.) to a solution of potassium (0.1 g.) in liquid ammonia (70 cc.). Add further potassium (0.3 g.) to the stirred solution during 5 minutes and then stir the solution for 1 hour. Add ammonium chloride (2 g.), follipid level, and is useful as an intermediate for preparing compounds which have hormonal activity.

` EXAMPLE 6 l3,8-methyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5 10)-trien-l7-one Dissolve 13 methyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5(10)-trien- 17/3-01 in acetone (30 cc.) and add 8 N chronic acid (0.3 cc.) drop by drop to the swirled solution, followed after a 1 minute interval by methanol (5 cc.). Remove most of the solvent under reduced pressure, add water (50 cc.) and extract the product with a mixture of equal volumes of ether and benzene. Evapora-te the washed and dried extracts and crystallize the residue from ethanol to obtain 13,8 methyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-one (0.114 g.), M.P. 137-142". Purify further by recrystallization to obtain the pure compound, M.P. 143-4", whose infrared spectrum is identical with that of 13methyl3 methoxygona1,3,5(10)-trien-l7-one obtained from natural estrone.

To obtain 13 -isobutyl-S-methoxygona-1,3,5( 10)-trien- 17one treat 13 -isobutyl-3-methoxygona-l,3,5 10) -trien- 1713-01 with chromic acid and acetone according to the manipulative procedure described above. f To obtain 13-cetyl-3-methoxygona1,3,5 (10)-trien-17- one, treat 13 cetyl-3methoxygona-1,3,5 10)-trien-17- ol with chromic acid and acetone according to the manipulative procedure described above.

To obtain 13,6 dimethyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5(10)- trien 17 one treat 13,9,6 dimethyl 3 methoxygona- 1,3,5(10)trien17ol with chromic acid and acetone according to the manipulative procedure described above.

To obtain 13,8,7 dimethyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5(l0)- trien 17 one treat 13,7 dimethyl 3 methoxygona- 1,3,5(10)trien17ol with chromic acid in acetone according to the manipulative procedure described above.

`To obtain 13/3 ethyl 2,3-dimethoxygona-l,3,5(10)- trien-17-one treat 13-ethyl-2,3-dimethoxygona-1,3,5(10)- trien-l7-ol with chromic acid and acetone according to the manipulative procedure described above.

To obtain 13,8 ethyl 1,3-dimethoxygona-1,3,5(10)- trien 17-one treat`13/8-ethyl-1,3,5(10)-trien-l7-ol with chromic acid and acetone according to the manipulative procedure described above.

To obtain 13 -methyl-3-acetoxygona-1,3,5 10) -trien- 17 one treat 13-methyl-3-acetoxygona-1,3,5(10)-trien 17-ol with chromic acid and acetone according to the manipulative procedure described above. I l

To obtain 13,6 (3 oxopropyl) 3 methoxygona` 1,3,5(l0) trien 17-one treat l3-(3-hydroxypropyl)3 methoxygonal,3,5(10)-trien-17-ol with chromic acid and acetone according to the manipulative procedure described above.

To obtain 13 ethyl-3-ethoxygona-1,3,5(10)-trien-17 one treat l3-ethyl-3-ethoxygona-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-ol with chromic acid and acetone according to the manipulative procedure described above.

To obtain 13,8 isobutyl 3-pentyloxygona-1,3,5(10)- trien 17 one treat 13,3 isobutyl 3 pentyloxygona- 1,3,5(10)trienl7ol with chromic acid and acetone according to the manipulative procedure described above.

To obtain 13/3-(3-oxopropyl)3cyclopentyloxygona-1, 3,5( 10)-trien-17-one treat 13b-( 3-hydroxypropyl)3cy clopentyloxygona-1,3,5 10) -trien-17-ol with chromic acid and acetone according to the manipulative procedure described above.

To obtain f 13,8-phenethyl-3-hydroxygona-1,3,5 10)- trien 17 one treat 13-phenethylgona-1,3,5(10) -trien-3, l7-diol with chromic acid in acetone according to the manipulative procedure described above.

To obtain 13,6-(2-diethylaminoethyl)-2,3dimethoxy gona- 1,3,5 10)-trien-17-one treat 13,3-(2-diethylaminoethyl)-2,3-dimethoxygona1,35(10)-trien 17/3 ol with chromic acid and acetone according to the manipulative procedure described above.

To obtain 13p-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-1,3-dirneth oxy-6methylgona-1,3,5 10) -trien-l7-one treat 1313-( 3-dimethylaminopropyl)-l,3-dimethoXy-6-methylgona 1,3,5 10)-trien-l7-ol with chromic acid and acetone according to the manipulative procedure described above.

To obtain 13,3-n-butyl-1,3-diethoxy-6-ethylgona-1,3,5 10 -trien-17-one treat 13-n-butyl-1,3-diethoxy-6-ethylgona-1,3,5 10) -trien-17-ol with chromic acid and acetone according to the manipulative procedure described above.

To obtain 13-n-propyl-2-ethoxy-3-methoxygona-l,3,5 (10)-trien-17-one treat 13-n-propyl-2-ethoxy-3-methoxygona-1,3,5(10)-trien-17/8-ol with chromic acid and acetone according to the manipulative procedure described above.

To obtain 13 -ethyl-3-benzyloxygona-1,3,5 10)-trien- 17-one treat 13-ethyl-3-benzyloxygona-1,3,5(10)-trien- 17-ol With chromic acid and acetone according to the manipulative procedure described above.

To obtain 13-phenethy1-3-propoxygona-1,3,5 10) -trien 17-one treat 13-phenethyl-3-propoxygona-1,3,5(10)- trien-17-ol with chromic acid and acetone according to the manipulative procedure described above.

These compounds have estrogenic activity, lower the -blood lipid level, and are useful as intermediates in the preparation of the hormonal compounds of the invention.

EXAMPLE 7 13-methyl-3-methoxygona- 1,3 ,5( 10) -trien- 17 -one Dissolve IS-methyl 3 methoxygona-1,3,5(10)-trien- 17-ol (0.085 g.) in acetone (25 cc.) and add 8 N chromic acid solution (0.5 cc.). After 3 minutes add ethanol to decompose excess chromic acid, followed by water (100 cc.). Extract with a mixture of ether and benzene, wash and dry the extracts and remove the solvent to obtain a gum which crystallizes (0.07 g.) Recrystallize from methanol to obtain 13-methyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5(10)- trien-17-one, M.P. 13S-141 C.

Calcd for CNHMOZ (percent): C, 80.2; H, 8.5. Found (percent): C, 80.0; H, 8.2.

This compound has estrogenic activity, lowers the blood lipid level, and is useful as an intermediate for preparing compounds which have hormonal activity.

EXAMPLE 8 D-homo-13-ethyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5(10)- trien-17a-ol Add D-homo-13-ethyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5 10), 8- tetraen-17a-ol (20 g.) in tetrahydrofuran (525 cc.) to liquid ammonia (1500 cc.) and aniline (250 cc.) and add lithium g.) in pieces. After stirring for 11/2 hours discharge the blue color by the addition of sodium nitrate followed by Water and isolate the product with ether. Recrystallize the product from methanol to obtain D-homo- 13 -ethyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5( 10)-trien-17a-ol (15 g. M.P. 103-105 after previous softening; ultraviolet absorption peak at 280 m/L (e 2,800); infrared absorption peaks at 2.96 and 6.23m

This compound has estrogenic activity, lowers the blood lipid level, and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

EXAMPLE 9 D-homo-l3-ethyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5 10) l triene-17a-one Add 8 N chromic acid (0.5 cc.) to a swirled solution of D homo 13-ethyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5(10)-trien- 17a-ol (0.3 g.) in acetone (75 cc.) containing anhydrous magnesium sulphate. After 30 seconds add isopropyl alcohol (2 cc.) and evaporate the mixture to dryness. Add

Cil

water and extract the mixture with ether. Chromatograph the product on activated alumina to afford D-homo-l3- ethyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5( 10) -trien-17a-one; ultraviolet absorption peak at 278 ma (le 1900); infrared absorption peak at 5.85m

This compound possesses estrogenic and blood lipid lowering activity and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

EXAMPLE 10 13-ethyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5 10) -trien-17-ol IDissolve 13-ethyl-3methoxygona-1,3,5 (10), S-tetraen- 17-one in 100 ml. of tetrahydrofuran and add this solution with stirring to a solution of 0.6 g. of potassium in ml. of liquid ammonia. After stirring the mixture for one hour, add an excess of ammonia chloride and work up the product. Dissolve the gummy product in benzene and chromatograph on activated alumina; elute with ether to obtain 13-ethyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5 10)-trien-17- ol; M.P. 131-134 C.; ultraviolet absorption peak at 275 ma (e 3,700).

This compound possesses estrogenic and blood lipid lowering activity and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

EXAM PLE l l 13ethyl3-methoxygona-1,3,5 10 -trienl7-one one (1.0 g.) in 1-methoxypropan-2-ol (100 cc.) to liquid ammonia (150 cc.), followed by lithium metal (2.0 g.) in small pieces during 20 minutes With stirring. Discharge the blue color immediately after completion of the metal addition; add water and filter the solid and recrystallize from methanol to obtain 13 ethyl-3-methoXygona-2,5 (10)-dien-17-ol (0.3 g); no selective ultraviolet absorption beyond 220 ma; infrared absorption peaks at 3.08, 5.92, 6.01p..

To this product (0.3 g.) in acetone (100 cc.) add 8 N chromic acid (0.6 cc.), followed after 1 minute by methanol (2 cc.). Remove the solvent, add water, and work up the product with ether to obtain as residue a crude crystalline material (0.3 g.). Recrystallize from methanol to obtain 13ethyl3methoxygona1,3,5(10)-trienl7-one identical with the material otherwise obtained.

This compound possesses estrogenic and blood lipid lowering activity and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

EXAMPLE 12 13,8-ethyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5 10 -trien-17-one Add an aqueous 8 N solution of chromic acid (0.5 cc.) to a swirled solution of 13-ethyl-3-methoxygona-1,3, 5(10)trien17ol (0.3 g.) in acetone (75 cc.). After 30 seconds add methanol (2 cc.) to remove excess oxidizing agent. Remove most of the solvent under reduced pressure, add water (100 cc.) to the residue, and ether extract the aqueous mixture.

Work up and chromatograph the semi-solid material on activated alumina (30 g.) to obtain 13-ethyl-3-methoxygona 1,3,5(10) trien 17 one (0.3 g.) as hexagonal plates, M.P. l22-214 C. or as isomorphous tablets, M.P. l09-111 C. When a mixture of the two forms is melted rapidly, some melting occurs at 111 C.; this is followed by resolidication and final melting at 124 C.

This compound possesses estrogem'c and blood lipid lowering activities and is useful :as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

EXAMPLE 13 13 /S-n-propyl-3 -methoxygona-l ,3 ,5 10) -trien-17-ol Add 13,8 n propyl 3 methoxygona 1,3,5(10),8- tetraen-17-ol (3.1 g.) dissolved in a mixture of tetrahydrofuran (10 cc.) and freshly distilled aniline (60 cc.) to liquid ammonia cc.) and add lithium metal (1.5 g.) in small pieces. Stir the reaction mixture for 3 hours,

28* then quench with solid ammonium chloride (12.5 g.) and take up in water. Ether-extract the product and evaporate ythe washed and dried extracts to obtain a semisolid residue of crude 13 n propyl 3 methoxygona 1,3,5(10) trien-l7-ol (3.1 g.); ultraviolet absorption peak at 279 mit (e 1,800).

Dissolve the crude material in ether (75 cc.), add heptane (30 cc.) and distill off the ether, filter the small amount of lbrown flocculent precipitate, and finally cool the filtrate to precipitate the purified product as an offwhite solid (2.3 g.), M.P. 141-143 C.

This compound possesses estrogenic and blood lipid lowering activity and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

EXAMPLE 14 13 -n-propyl-3 -methoxygona1,3,5 10) -trien-17-one To 13 n propyl 3 methoxygona 1,3,5(l0) trien17ol (2.5 g.)in acetone (100 cc.) add anhydrous magnesium sulphate (3 g.); stir the mixture at room temperature while adding 8 N chromic acid (3.0 cc.). The temperature of the reaction mixture rises spontaneously to about 34, then returns slowly to room temperature; stir the mixture for a total of 20 minutes, then-treat with isopropanol cc.) and sodium bicarbonate (5 g.), and stir for a-further 10 minutes. Filter the reaction mixture and wash the insoluble material with methylene dichloride; combine and evaporate the filtrate and Iwashings to obtain a solid yellow residue. Dissolve this residue in ether (100 cc.) and wash the solution with water, dry and evaporate.V Recrystallize the crude product (2.5 g.), M.P. 10S-118 C. from methanol to obtain 13-n-propyl-3- methoxygona 1,3,5(10) trien 17 one (2.03 g.), M.P. 120122 C.; ultraviolet absorption peak at 278.5 ma (e 1,900).

Calculated for C21H28O3 (percent): C, 80.7; H, 9.0. Found (percent): C, 80.65; H, 9.0.

This compound possesses estrogenic and blood lipid lowering activity and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

EXAMPLE 13-isopropyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5 10) -trien-l7-ol Add 1318 isopropyl 3 methoxygona 1,3,5(l0),8 tetraen-17-one (1.6 g.) in tetrahydrofuran (50 cc.) to liquid ammonia (150 cc.). Add potassium (4.5 g.) in portions and stir the mixture for 2 hours, and then add ammonium acetate 'to destroy excess metal, followed by water. Work up with ether to obtain a yellow gum. Dissolve the gum in benzene and chromatograph on activated alumina; elute withv benzene containing a small proportion of ether to obtain a fraction which yields 13-isopropyl-3-methoxygona-l,3,5(10)trien17,B-ol (0.92 g.) as a colorless uncrystallizable gum, ultraviolet absorption peak at 285 mp (e 2,000).

' lT his compound possesses estrogenic and blood lipid lowering activity and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

EXAMPLE 16 13 -isopropyl--methoxygona-l ,3,5 10) -trien-17-one Add 8 N chromic acid (1.5 cc.) to a swirled solution of 13 isopropyl 3 methoxygona 1,3,5(10) trien- 17/8-01 (0.9 g.) in acetone 100 cc.) and after l minute add methanol' (5 cc.) and remove most of the solvent by evaporation. Add water and work up the product with ether to obtain a yellow gum (0.85 g.). Chromatograph on activated alumina to yield a colorless uncrystallizable gum showing infrared absorption consistent with the structure of 13 -isopropyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5( 10)-,trien-17-one.

This compound possesses estrogenic and |blood lipid lowering activity and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

30 yEXAMPLE 17 13-n-butyl-3-methoxygona-1,3 ,5 l0) -trien-17-ol To 13 n butyl 3 methoxygona 1,3,5(10),8 tetraen17ol (0.8 g.) in aniline (20 cc.) and tetrahydrofuran (10 cc.) add liquid ammonia (100 cc.), followed by sodium (0.8 g.) in small pieces during 5 minutes while stirring the mixture. After a further 15 minutes stirring, discharge the blue color with solid ammonium chloride. Work up the product with ether in the usual way, and evaporate the resulting ether solution to leave as residue as a gum; take this up in hot methanol (10 cc.), lter a little insoluble material and allow the solution to stand for l2 hours at 0 C. Crystals of 13nbutyl3methoxygona 1,3,5(10)trien17ol are deposited and filtered off (0.6 g.). M.P. 123-l25 C. after previous softening and a little melting at 60-70 C.; ultraviolet absorption peak at 278 ma (e 2,100); infrared absorption peaks at 2.862.97 (broad band), 6.21, 7.94, 9.62/1..

This compound possesses estrogenic and blood lipid lowering activities and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

EXAMPLE 18 13-n-butyl-3 -methoxygona-l ,3 ,5 10)-trien-17-one To a solution of 13-n-butyl-3-methoxygona-l,3,5(10)- trien-17-ol (0.34 g.) in acetone (50 cc.) containing anhydrous magnesium sulphate (l g.) add 8 N aqueous chromic acid solution, dropwise, until the solution has a permanent yellowish color. Add isopropanol (10 cc.) and remove most of the acetone present under reduced pressure; add water and work up with ether in the usual way to obtain, on recrystallization from ethanol 13nbutyl3 methoxygona 1,3,5(10) trien 17 one (0.27 g.), M.P. 97-99 C., in the form of fine needles or at rods; infrared absorption peaks at 5.78, 8.07, 9.66/1. This compound possesses estrogenic and blood lipid lowering activity and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

EXAMPLE 19 1 3,6-isobutyl-3-methoxygona- 1,3 ,5(10)trien-17ol Add a solution of l3isobutyl3methoxy1,3,5( 10), 8-tetraen-17-ol (17.0 g.) in dry tetrahydrofuran (125 cc.; distilled) slowly to a mixture of liquid ammonia (680 cc., distilled), aniline cc., distilled) and tetrahydrofuran cc.) with stirring. Then add lithium (7.9 g.) in small portions. After the addition of lithium is completed, stir the blue mixture for another 3 hours. Discharge the blue color by the cautious addition of arnmonium chloride followed by warm (50) water. Extract the crude product with benzene. Wash the extracts withvwater, hydrochloric acid, (20%) sodium bicarbonate, water and dry. Evaporate the solvent in vacuo to obtain a gum which on crystallization from ether-petroleum ether gives l3 isobutyl-3-methoxygona 1,3,5(l0) trien-17-ol (13.0 g.; 76%); M.P. 10S-104 C.; ultraviolet absorption peak at 2.78 mp. (e 1,975); infrared absorption peak at 2.83.

This compound possesses estrogenic and blood lipid lowering activity and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

EXAMPLE 20 13-ethyl-3-hydroxygona- 1,3 ,5 10) -trien-17-one Fuse 13-ethyl-3-methoxygone 1,3,5(10) trien 17- one (0.5 g.) and pyridine hydrochloride (5 g.) together under nitrogen for 40` minutes. Take up the cooled melt in methanol 10 cc.), pour into water (100 cc.) and work up by means of ether to obtain a solid. Recrystallize from 95% aqueous ethanol to obtain crystalline 13,8-ethyl-3- hydroxygona-l,3,5(10)-trien-17-one; M.P. 232-233 C., which shows a change of crystalline form between 190 C. and 200 C.

This compound possesses estrogenic and blood lipid lowering activity and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

EXAMPLE. 21

13 -ethyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5( 10) -trien-17-ol To 13-ethy1-3-methoxygona1,3,5(10), 8-tetraen-17- ol (16.8 g.) dissolved in a mixture of aniline (150 cc.) and tetrahydrofuran (50 cc.) add liquid ammonia (400 cc.). Add lithium metal (6.0 g.) gradually in small pieces during minutes, and stir the blue suspension obtained. After 2 hours, add ammonium chloride (50 g.) to the reaction mixture until a clear solution is obtained; then add water (600 cc.) and ether-extract the mixture. Evaporate the washed and dried extracts to obtain as residue a crystalline solid. 'Recrystallize from hexane (300 cc.), to obtain 13,6-ethyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5(10)-trien-17- ol (14 g), M.P. 126-30.

This compound possesses estrogenic and blood lipid lowering activity and is useful in an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

To obtain 13cetyl3methoxygona 1,3,5(10) trien- 17-ol treat 13,8-cetyl 3 methoxygona 1,3,5(l0),8tetraen-l7-ol with lithium and aniline in liquid ammonia according to the manipulative procedure described above.

To obtain 7,13,8-dimethyl-3,methoxygona 1,3,5(10) trien-l7-ol treat 7,l3,8-dimethyl-3-methoxygona 1,3,5 (10), 8-tetraen-l7-ol with lithium and aniline in liquid ammonia according to the manipulative procedure described above.

To obtain 13-ethyl-2,3-dimethoxygona 1,3,5(10) trien-l7-ol treat 13-ethyl-2,3-dimethoxygone 1,3,5 (10),8tetraenl7ol with lithium and aniline in liquid ammonia according to the manipulative procedure described above.

To obtain l3-ethyl1,3-dimethoxygona 1,3,5(10) trien- 17,8-01 treat 13 -ethyl-l,3dimethoxygona-l,3,5 10) 8-tetraen-17-ol with lithium and aniline in liquid arnmonia according to the manipulative procedure described above.

To prepare 13ethyl3ethoxygona 1,3,5(10)trien 17-ol treat l3ethyl3ethoxygona 1,3,5 (10),8tetraen 17-o1 with lithium and aniline in liquid ammonia according to the manipulative procedure described above.

To prepare 13-phenethyl-3-propoxygona 1,3,5(10) trien-17-ol treat 13-phenethy1-3-propoxygona 1,3,5 (10,8-tetraen-l7-ol with lithium and aniline in liquid ammonia according to the manipulative procedure described above.

To prepare 13-isobutyl-3-pentyloxygona 1,3,5(10) trien-17-ol treat 13-isobutyl-3-pentyloxygona 1,3,5 (10),8tetraenl7,8ol with lithium and aniline in liquid ammonia according to the manipulative procedure described above.

To prepare 13H-(3-hydroxypropyl 3 cyclopentyloxygona-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-ol treat 13-(3-hydroxypropyl) 3cyclopentyloxygona1,3,5(10),8tetraen 1713 ol with lithium and aniline in liquid ammonia according to the manipulative procedure described above.

To obtain 13(3-dimethylaminopropyl) 3 methoxygona-1,3,5(10),8trienl7ol treat 13 (3 dimethylaminopropyl)-3-methoxygona 1,3,5(10),8 tetraen-17- o1 with lithium and aniline in liquid ammonia according to the manipulative procedure described above.

These compounds possess estrogenic and blood lipid lowering activity and are useful as intermediates for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

(25 cc.) under reflux for 20 minutes. Cool the reaction mixture, acdify with glacial acetic acid and evaporate to dryness. Take up the residue in ether (50 cc.) and water, and wash and dry the separated ethereal layer. Evaporate the solvent to obtain the crude product (0.33 g.), and recrystallize from aqueous methanol and subsequently from anhydrous methanol to Obtain l3-ethylgona-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-3,17,8diol (0.14 g.) as shining white needles, M.P. 190-3; infrared absorption peaks at 2.86-3.23 (broad band), 9.48, 9.71# with no band due toketone absorption.

This compound possesses estrogenic and blood lipid lowering activity and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

EXAMPLE 23 13 -n-propyl-3-hydroxygona-1,3,5 (10)-trien-17-one Shake 13-n-propyl-3-hydroxygona 1,3,5(10),9(l1) tetraen-17-one (0.17 g.) in ethanol (30 cc.) with hydrogen at atmospheric pressure in the presence of a 30% palladized charcoal catalyst (0.09 g.) until hydrogenation ceases (8 hours). Filter and evaporate the solution to obtain a colorless crystalline solid. Recrystallize from ethanol, to obtain 13npropyl3-hydroxygona 1,3,5(10) trien-17-one (0.083 g.), MJP. 206-12; ultraviolet absorption peak at 281 ma (e 2050); infrared absorption peaks at 3.06, 5.85, 6.21, 8.21/1..

This compound possesses estrogenic and blood lipid lowering activity and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

trien17one (0.5 g.) and pyridine hydrochloride (10.7

g.) together under nitrogen for 1 hour at 20S-19. Two phases are present during the rst 50 minutes, after which the mixture becomes a homogeneous. Mix the cooled product with ether( 50 cc.) and water; separate the ether phase and ether extract the aqueous phase; wash the combined extracts with acid to remove pyridine, dry and evaporate. Recrystallize the residue (0.48 g.), M.P. 211- 20, from methanol, to obtain l3-n-propyl-3-hydroxygona-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-one (0.24 g.), M.P. 221-3.

This compound possesses estrogenic and blood lipid lowering activity and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

EXAMPLE 25 13 -n-propylgonal ,3 ,5 10 -trien-3, 1 7-dio1 Gently reux 13 -n-propyl-3-hydroxygona-1,3,5 (10)- trien-17-one (0.17 g.) in ethanol (20 cc.) and sodium borohydride (0.09 g.) for 15 minutes. Add acetic acid (0.3 cc.) to the cooled solution and remove the solvent under reduced pressure; add ether (50 cc.) and water (25 cc.) and separate, wash and dry the ether layer. Evaporate to a gum which crystallzes on addition of methylene dichloride. Recrystallize from a mixture of ethyl acetate and light petroleum to obtain l3npropyl gona-1,3,5(l0)trien-3,17diol (0.10 g.), M.P. 183-6, ultraviolet absorption peak at 281 mn (e 2,000); infrared absorption peaks at 2.92, 3.06, 6.19, 6.32, 9.62/1..

This compound possesses estrogenic and blood lipid lowering activity and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

EXAMPLE 26 13-n-butyl-3-hydroxygona- 1,3 ,5 (10)-trien-17-one Heat 13 n butyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5(10)-trien-17- one (0.2 g.) with pyridine hydrochloride at 210 (3 g.) in an atmosphere of nitrogen for 40 minutes. Dissolve the cooled product in aqueous methanol, add more water and extract the mixture with ether. Evaporate the washed and dried ether extracts to a gum which partially crystallizes. Take up the material in a mixture of equal volumes of benzene and ether (2O cc.) and extract with Claisen alkali; acidify the aqueous extract with hydrochloric acid and reextract with ether. Work up the ether extracts to obtain on evaporation a crystalline residue; recrystallize from a mixture of light petroleum and ethyl acetate to obtain 13-n-butyl-3-hydroxygona-1,3,5(10)- trien-17-one (0.045 g.), M.P. 174-6; infrared absorption peaks at 2.99, 3.05 (broad band), 5.83/1..

This compound possesses estrogenic and blood lipid lowering activity and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

EXAMPLE 27 13-n-butyl-3-methoxygona-1,3 ,5 10) -trien-17-one Shake 1318 n butyl 3 methoxygona-1,3,5(10),9 tetraen-17-one (0.065 g.) in ethanol (8 cc.) and benzene (2 cc.) in an atmosphere of hydrogen with a 10% palladized charcoal catalyst (0.05 g.) until hydrogen uptake ceases. Filter the catalyst and evaporate the solvent to obtain a gum, which readily crystallizes on seeding with the product of another example. Recrystallize the material from a ethanol to obtain 13nbutyl3methoxy gona-1,3,5 10) -trien-17-one.

This compound possesses estrogenic and blood lipid lowering activity and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

EXAMPLE 28 13/3-n-propyl-3-hydroxy-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-one Reflux 13 n propyl 3 methoxy 17,17 ethylene dioxygona1,3,5(10)-triene (0.50 g.) in piperidine (3.5 cc.) with sodamide (1.0 g.) under nitrogen for hours. Cool, and pour the reaction mixture onto crushed ice, acidify the resulting solution with 2 N sulphuric acid and extract the mixture with ether. Wash the ether extracts with water and then extract with Claisen alkali (potassium hydroxide, 35 g.; Water, 25 cc.; and methanol, 100 cc.). Acidify the alkaline extracts With 2 N sulphuric acid, reextract with ether, and evaporate the Washed and dried ether solution of product. Recrystallize the yellow residue obtained from aqueous methanol, to obtain 13-n-propyl- 3-hydroxygona-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-one (0.3 g.), M.P. 209-l2.

This compound possesses estrogenic and blood lipid lowering activity and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

EXAMPLE 29 13 -n-propyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5 10)-trien-17-one Wash the ether solution remaining after extraction of the solution in the previous example With Claisen alkali with water, dry and evaporate. Recrystallize the residue (0.3 g.) from methanol, to obtain 13-n-propy1-3-methoxygona 1,3,5(10) trien 17 `one (0.2 g.), M.P. 11S-8; ultraviolet absorption peak at 278-80 mp. (e 1900).

This compound possesses estrogenic and blood lipid lowering activity and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

Shake 13 ethyl 3 methoxy 17a ethylgona- 1,3,5(),9tetraenl7ol (0.3 g.) in ethanol (10 cc.) with 10% palladized charcoal (0.3 g.) in an atmosphere of hydrogen until uptake ceases [(25 cc.) absorbed]. Filter the catalyst and remove the solvent and recrystallize the residue from ethanol to obtain 13,17adiethyl3 methoxygona-1,3,5(10)-trien-17/8-ol (0.11 g.), M.P. 160- 161 C.

This compound has estrogenic activity, and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

34 EXAMPLE 31 13 -ethyl-3, l7-dimethoxygona1,3,5 10)-triene Add diazomethane (from 2.05 g. N-nitrosomethylurea) in methylene chloride (40 cc.) with stirring to 13p!- ethyl 3 methoxygona-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-ol 1 g.) in methylene chloride (50 cc.) containing 2 drops of boron tritluoride etherate. After stirring for 5 minutes lter the mixture and wash the filtrate with sodium bicarbonate, water and brine, and then dry. Recrystallize the product twice from methanol to obtain 1313 ethyl 3,17 dimethoxygona-l,3,5(10)-triene (.65 g.), M.P. 100401".

Calcd for C21H30O2 (percent): C, 80.2; H, 9.6. Found (percent): C, 80.5; H, 9.6.

This compound has estrogenic activity, lowers the blood lipid level, and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

EXAMPLE 32 1 13-n-propy1-3,17-dimethoxygona-1,3,5 (10)-triene Methylate 13npropy1 3 methoxygona 1,3,5(10) trien-17-ol (1 g.) in methylene chloride (50 cc.) with diazornethane as previously described. Recrystallize the product from ethanol (30 cc.) to obtain 13-n-propyl- 3,17-dimethoxy-gona-1,3,5(10)-triene (0.6 g.), M.P. 138; untraviolet absorption peak at 278 mp. (e 2,300).

Calcd for C22H32O2 (percent): C, 80.4; H, 9.8. Found: C, 80.2; H, 9.8.

This compound has estrogenic acivity, lowers the blood lipid level, and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

EXAMPLE 3 3 1 13-ethyl-3 -methoxy-17-acetoxygona-L3 ,5 10 -triene Add l3-ethyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5(10)-trien-17 ol (1. g.) in pyridine (4 cc.) to acetic anhydride (2 g.) in benzene (4 cc.) and allow the mixture to stand at room temperature for 18 hours. Add Water and extract the mixture with ether. Wash, dry and evaporate the ethereal Solution to obtain as residue and recrystallize from methanol to afford 13-ethy1-3-methoxy-17-acetoxygona-1,3, 5(10)triene, 0.8 g., M.P. 130-1; ultra-violet absorption peak at 278 mp. (e 2,000), 286 ma (e 1800).

This compound has estrogenic acivity, lowers the blood lipid level, and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

To obtain 1343 ethyl- 3-methoxy-17,8-propionoxygona- 1,3,5(10)triene, treat 13 ethyl-3-methoxygona 1,3,5 (10)-trien-17-ol with propionic anhydride and pyridine according to the manipulative procedure described above.

To obtain 13,8 ethyl-2,3-dimethoxy-17-acetoxygona- 1,3,5(10) triene, treat 13-ethyl-2,3-dimethoxygona-1, 3,5(10)trien17ol with acetic anhydride in pyridine according to the manipulative procedure described above.

To obtain IS-ethyl 1,3 dimethoxy-17-propionoxy gona-1,3,5(10)triene, treat 13ethyl1,3-dimethoxygona- 1,3,5(10)trien17o1 with propionic anhydride in pyridine according to the procedure described above.

To obtain 13,8-ethyl-3-etoxy 17 acetoxygona-1,3,5 10)-triene, treat 13 ,B-ethyl-3-ethoxygona-1 ,3,5 (10)-trien- 17,8-01 with acetic anhydride in pyridine according to the manipulative procedure described above.

To obtain 13-phenethyl-3-propoxy-17,8 propionoxygona-1,3,5(10)triene, treat 13 phenethyl-3-propoxygona-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-ol with propionic anhydride and pyridine according to the manipulative procedure described above.

To obtain 13isobuty13penty1oxyl7-acetoxygona- 1,3,5 (10)-triene, treat 13-isobutyl-3penthyloxygona1,3, 5(l0)-trien17ol with acetic anhydride and pyridine according to the manipulative procedure described above.

`To obtain l3-(3-propionoxypropyl)-3-cyclopentyloxy- 17propionoxygona-1,3,5 (10) triene, treat 1313-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3-cyclopentyloxygona 1,3,5(10) trien- 35 17-ol with propionic anhydride in pyridine according to the manipulative procedure described above.

To obtain 13e (S-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-methoXy- 17-acetoXygona-1,3,5 10 -triene, treat 13 -(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3methoxygona-1,3,5 10)-trien-17-ol with acetic anhydride in pyridine according to the manipulative procedure described above.

To obtain 13ethyl2,3diethoXy-17-acetoXygona-1,3, 5(10)triene, treat 13-ethyl-2,3diethoxygona-1,3,5 10 trien-17-ol with acetic anhydride according to the manipulative procedures described above.

To obtain 13-ethyl-1,3-diethoxy-17-propionoxygona- 1,3,5()triene, treat 13-ethyl-1,3-dimethoxygona-1,3, 5( 10-trien-17-ol with propionyl chloride according to the manipulative procedures described above.

To obtain 13p propyl-3-ethoxy-17acetoxygona-1,3,5 (10)-triene, treat 13-propyl-3-ethoxygona 1,3,5(10)- trien-17-ol with acetic anhydride according to the manipulative procedures described above.

To obtain 13-phenethyl-3-pentoxy 17propionoxy gona-1,3,5(10)triene, treat 1S-phenethyl-B-pentoxygona- 1,3,5(10)trien17ol with propionyl chloride according to the manipulative procedures described above.

To obtain 13-isobutyl-3-butoXy-17-acetoxygona-1,3, 5(10)-triene, treat 13-isobutyl-3-butoxygona-1,3,5(10)- trien-17-ol with acetic anhydride according to the manipulative procedures described above.

To obtain 13,8- 3-diethylaminopropy1) -3-methoXyl 7,8- acetoXygona-1,3,5(10)-triene, treat 1313-( B-diethylaminopropyl)3methoXygona-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-ol with acetic anhydride according to the manipulative procedures described above.

These compounds have estrogenic activity, lower the blood lipid level, and are useful as intermediates in the preparation of the hormonal compounds of this invention.

EXAMPLE 34 13 -ethy1-3-methoxy-17 ,17 -diethoxygona-1,3,5 10)-triene Heat 13,6' ethyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-one (l g.) in ethanol, ethyl orthoformate (1 cc.) and concentrated sulphuric acid (1 drop) at 40 for 30 minutes. Add ethyl orthoformate (0.5 cc.) and heat the mixture at 55 for a further 30 minutes. Dilute the cooled solution with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate and collect the product in ether. Wash, dry and evaporate the ethereal solution, take up the residue in a little benzene and filter through a column of alumina (50 g.) with hexane-benzene (4:1). Evaporate the solvent to obtain 13-ethyl-3- methoxy-17, 17-diethoxygona-1,3,5 10 triene.

This compound has estrogenic activity, lowers the blood lipid level, and is useful as an intermeditae for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

EXAMPLE 35 13-ethyl-3-methoxy-17,17-ethylenedioxygona- 1,3,5(10)triene Reflux 13,8-ethyl-3-methoXygona-1,3,5(10) triene-17- one (3 g.) with toluene-p-sulphonic acid (0.3 g.), dry toluene (105 cc.) and ethylene glycol (3 cc.) for 19 hours. Distill off toluene (65 cc.) over 11/2 hours, cool the residue, dilute ywith ether (35 cc.), Wash with water, saturated aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate, brine, and dry (MgSO4). Remove the solvent under reduced pressure, dissolve the residue in benzene (20 cc.) and lter through alumina (50 g.) with hexane-benzene (4:1). Remove the solvent and recrystallize the product from ethanol to obtain 13/3-ethyl-3-methoxy-17,17-ethylenedioxygona 1,3,5 (10)-triene (2.4 g.), 69%, M.P. 90-92; ultraviolet absorption peak at 278 ma (e 2,200); infrared absorption peak at 3.4, 6.2, 6.35, 6.69n.

This compound has estrogenic activity, lowers the blood lipid level, and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

36 EXAMPLE 36 13-ethyl-3-methoxy- 17 17-propylenedioxygona- 1,3,5(10)triene Reflux 13/3-ethyl 3 methoXygona-1,3,5(10) ,8,14-pentaen-17-one (2 g.) in benzene (75 cc.) and propane-1,3- diol (1 cc.) with toluene-p-sulphonic acid (200 mg.) for 16 hours. Dilute the cooled solution with ether, wash, dry, and evaporate and lter the residue through Florisil g.) lwith hexane-benzene (4:1). Evaporate the solvent to obtain 13-ethyl-3-methoXy-17,17-propylenedioxygona-1,3,5 (10),8,14pentaene', ultraviolet absorption peak at 312 mp. (e 27,500). Shake this product (0.7 g.) in benzene (50 cc.) with prehydrogenated 2% palladium on calcium carbonate (0.4 g.) in an atmosphere of hydrogen until absorption of hydrogen almost ceases (uptake 50 cc.). Filter the catalyst and evaporate the solvent and obtain 13 ethyl-3-methoxy-17,17-propylenedioxygona-1,3, 5 (10),8tetraene; ultraviolet absorption peak at 278 mu (e 14,700). Add this product (0.4 g.) in tetrahydrofuran (10 cc.) to liquid ammonia (50 cc.) and stir for 10 minutes, and then decompose by the addition of solid ammonium chloride. Add water and take up the product in ether. Wash the ethereal solution with ice-cold 10% hydrochloric acid to remove the aniline, then immediately with water, saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate, brine, and dry. Remove the solvent by evaporation to obtain 13-ethyl-3-methoxy 17,17 propylenedioxygona- 1,3,5(10)triene; ultraviolet absorption peak at 278 rnp. (e 2,000), 286 mn (e 1,750).

This compound has estrogenic and blood lipid lowering activity and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

EXAMPLE 37 13-ethyl-3-methoXy-17,17-ethylenedioxygona- 1,3,5(10)triene Reflux 13-ethyl 3 methoXygona-1,3,5(10)-triene-17- one (3 g.) in dry toluene (105 cc.) -with toluene-p-sulphonic acid (300 mg.) and ethylene glycol (3 cc.) for 19 hours. Distill the solvent (65 cc.) over a period of 11/2 hours. Cool the residue, dilute with ether, wash, dry, and evaporate and dissolve the residue in benzene (20 cc.) and filter through a column of alumina with hexanebenzene (4:1). Evaporate the eluates and recrystallize the residue to obtain the title compound (2.5 g.), M.P. 88-89 C.; ultraviolet absorption peak at 278 mp. (e 2,200); infrared absorption peak at 3.4, 6.211., and 6.35/L.

This compound has estrogenic and blood lipid lowering activity and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

To obtain 13-isopropyl 3 methoXy-17,17-ethylenedioXygona-1,3,5 10) -triene treat 13 -isopropyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-one with ethyleneglycol according to the manipulative procedure described abope.

To obtain 13/8-cetyl 3 methoxy-17,17-ethylenedioxygona-1,3,5(10)triene treat 13-cetyl 3 methoxygona- 1,3,5(10)trien17one with ethyleneglycol according to the manipulative procedure described above.

To obtain 13-isobutyl-3-pentoxy-17,17-ethylenedioXygona-1,3,5(10)triene treat 13-isobutyl-3-pentoxygona- 1,3,5(10)-trien17one with ethyleneglycol according to the manipulative procedure described above.

To obtain 7,13/3-dimethy1-3-methoXy-17,17-ethylenedioxygona-1,3,5(10)triene treat 7,13-dimethyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-one with ethyleneglycol according to the manipulative procedure described above.

To obtain i-methyl-17,17-ethylenedioXygona-1,3,5 (10)-trien-3-ol treat 13-methylgona-1,3,5(10)-trien-3- ol-17-one with ethyleneglycol according to the manipulative procedure described above.

To obtain 13/8-ethyl 2,3 dimethoxy-17,17-ethyl'enedioxygona1,3,5(10)triene treat 13-ethyl-2,3dimethoxygona-1,35(10)-trien-17-one `with ethyleneglycol according to the manipulative procedure described above. 

